Crystal Palace was never in contention for European football or a Premier League title this year, but they were in possible danger of being relegated to the Championship after some poor results. Palace haven’t been front runners for the past few years – or decades – in the English Premier League, but that doesn’t mean they deserve to drop down a division.
And after a huge win this past week, they have safeguarded their return to the EPL for the 2024-2025 season.
Crystal Palace Beat Newcastle 2-0 to Secure Spot for Next Year
The pain of relegation.
The joy of promotion.
The elation of the unexpected.
That's football ❤️💙 pic.twitter.com/s8FozmPeo6
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) April 19, 2021
Palace faced off against Newcastle this Wednesday as one of the last matches in their 2023-2024 campaign. Although a win wasn’t necessary to stay out of the bottom two or three teams, a win would see them secure their spot in the top league for next year without any worrying about the results of lower-placed teams.
And Crystal Palace took the pressure and ran with it.
Mateta scored a goal for Crystal Palace at his fifth-straight home match, showing just how important having home fans at Selhurst Park is for confidence. The new manager, Glasner, has made such a difference in the playing style, adaptability, confidence, and skill of every player on the field for Palace in recent weeks.
After Mateta’s goal early on in the second half, he wasn’t done finding the back of the net. He added a second goal to his tally late in the game to secure Crystal Palace’s spot in the EPL next year and end Newcastle’s four-game win streak.
This most recent win sees Crystal Palace sitting comfortably in 14th place in the table, sitting 14 points above the ‘danger’ zone. Although 14th place in the EPL isn’t a fantastic result, Palace will sleep well tonight knowing they can recover, rest, and rebuild for next year.
Also Read: The Liverpool Downfall: Jurgen Klopp Lost His Energy Too Soon?
What Teams Are in Danger of Relegation?
With only four games remaining in the intense and lengthy Premier League season, it all comes down to the wire. Almost 40 matches in and there are still a few teams battling to stay out of the bottom few spots in the ladder.
Currently, Luton sits in 18th place with 25 points, Burnley is in 19th with 23 points, and Sheffield United is in last with only 16 points. Burnley has the best form in their last five matches, earning a draw in three games and winning one of their last five. On the other hand, Sheffield United hasn’t won any of their last five matches, getting just one point from the last few weeks.
Sheffield United desperately needs to win their last four matches to stay alive. If they win every game, they could end the season with 28 points. They need a miracle to stay out of relegation, as Burnley or Luton would have to barely earn any points from their last four matches to drop below Luton on the table.
Luton play Wolves, a game which they could sneak a point from. Sheffield faces off against Newcastle, who just lost to Palace, which could see them defeated. Burnley plays Manchester United, a team that is extremely sporadic and inconsistent this year.
The way it stands, it seems as though Sheffield will be relegated to the Championship. The next question is – will it be Burnley or Luton Town that join them?
The only thing we know for certain is it won’t be Crystal Palace.
About the Author
Emma is an athlete and sports fan who currently plays professional soccer. Growing up, she reached a high level in track and field, distance running, and soccer on both club and university teams.
