Even a 4-2 win registered by Norwich over Watford was not enough to help them avoid the big axe with one match to go. Sunderland is safe with 38 points on the log.
Both Newcastle and Norwich can only get to 37 points even if they win their closing matches of the season this Sunday.
The Black Cats were in fine form on Wednesday with defender Lamine Kone claiming two goals in the 42nd and 55th minute after Patrick van Aanholt had opened the scores in the 38th minute.
In retrospect, Sunderland will be glad that they hired Sam Allardyce when Dick Advocaat resigned last October following a bad run of results.
‘Big Sam’ as he is popularly known is an experienced hand at helping relegation bound sides having done it with Blackburn and Bolton and his stint at the Big Cats proved just that.
Throughout his tenure, he has managed to turn the struggling Sunderland into a consistent hungrier side that fights for every point on the pitch and this was clearly evident on Wednesday night and the fans showed their love in a big way chanting Allardyce’s name through-out.
The same cannot, however, be said of Everton manager Roberto Martinez who was losing his second match in a row and can expect a rough reception in the season ender this Sunday.
Norwich gave it their all when it mattered and were repaid with an impressive 4-2 win against Watford but this was not enough to keep them in the Premier League next season.
Watford went ahead through Troy Deeney with Norwich equalizing when Nathan Radmond scored. Craig Cathcart’s own goal and Dim
Troy Deeney had given Watford the lead, but Norwich responded through Nathan Redmond’s strike. A Craig Cathcart’s own goal and a Dieumerci Mbokani’s tap in extended Norwich’s lead. Odion Ighalo attempted a Watford come-back but Mbokani scored again to ensure Norwich picked all three points.
Christian Benteke saved the blushes for Liverpool when he scored in injury time as the Reds drew 1-1 with Chelsea on Wednesday night.
The Blues looked to be running away with all three points after Eden Hazard had scored early in the match.
