Premier League Insights: Wolves Distance Themselves from Relegation as Newcastle Enjoy Perfect Weekend

This weekend, Nottingham Forest emerged as the standout victors in the quest for Champions League qualification for next season within the Premier League, while Wolves nearly secured their top-flight status.

Arsenal capitalised on Liverpool’s absence from league play, reducing the gap to the league leaders to 12 points with a narrow 1-0 triumph over Chelsea.

Newcastle celebrated a significant milestone with their League Cup victory over Liverpool at Wembley, marking their first silverware in 56 years. Meanwhile, favourable results aided Newcastle’s aspirations for a top-five finish.

At the other end of the table, Ipswich, Leicester, and Southampton continued their losing streaks, leaving them seemingly destined for relegation.

Newcastle’s Glory Days

Newcastle’s pursuit of a Champions League return had recently faced some obstacles, but their minds were momentarily focused as they celebrated their League Cup victory.

Eddie Howe’s side etched their name into the club’s history with a remarkable 2-1 win against Liverpool.

This success, combined with the missteps of their competitors, has placed Newcastle in a strong position for a top-five finish.

Given the solid performance of English clubs in European competitions this season, it appears a place in the top five should suffice.

The defeat of Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium now sees the Blues, in fourth position, just two points ahead of Newcastle, who have a game in hand.

In fifth place, Manchester City could only muster a 2-2 draw against seventh-placed Brighton, leaving them in a precarious position.

Bournemouth’s chances of European qualification are rapidly fading after their 2-1 loss to Brentford, which saw them fall to 10th place.

Forest’s Reaction to Tuchel’s Snub

Despite an impressive season, Nottingham Forest found themselves without representation in Thomas Tuchel’s inaugural England squad announced on Friday.

Players such as Morgan Gibbs-White, Elliot Anderson, and Callum Hudson-Odoi were notably absent, a fact that did not go unnoticed by the travelling supporters who witnessed Forest’s commanding 4-2 victory at Ipswich.

Gibbs-White played a crucial role by assisting Jota Silva’s fourth goal and was ultimately rewarded with a call-up to Tuchel’s squad as an addition the following day.

This victory has propelled Forest closer to making a return to European football’s elite for the first time since 1980.

Currently, they stand six points clear of Manchester City with just nine games remaining in the season.

Wolves Escape the Relegation Zone

Any remaining uncertainty regarding the relegation battle was put to rest as Wolves secured a crucial 2-1 victory at Southampton, driven by a brace from Jorgen Strand Larsen.

Wolves now find themselves nine points above the relegation zone, while the bottom three appear to be in dire straits.

Ipswich has not achieved victory in their last 10 outings in 2025, Leicester have faltered with 13 losses in 14 matches under Ruud van Nistelrooy, and Southampton is on track to set a record for the worst performance in Premier League history.

“This club doesn’t deserve relegation, and the supporters certainly don’t deserve it,” remarked Wolves manager Vitor Pereira.

“I feel a deep connection to this club, and it’s a project I want to embrace fully.”