Monsieur Salut writes: much earlier in the season, when hope was young and alive (for some), Peter Lynn, alias Wrinkly Pete, decided to look ahead to all remaining games and calculate how – it was ‘how’ not ‘if’ then – Sunderland would reach his estimate of 37 points and safety. You must read on the see how far behind we are in his reckoning.As I wrote at ESPN before the Watford game, tonight is the anniversary of the date two years ago when Leicester City began their incredible bottom-to-top surge with the first of seven wins from the remaining nine games to ensure not just survival but 12th place respectability. I speculated that David Moyes had originally counted on two-to-four points from Watford and Leicester away if we were to emulate City’s escape, but was left needing six by the failure to beat Burnley. Three tonight would be a consolation and might, just might, inspire a proper revival. I’d be lying if I said I expect us to be anything other than just a step closer the drop once the final whistle goes, three more points handed to opponents. Prove me wrong, Lads. And now over to Pete …
Apr 1 Watford (a) Prediction: Draw. A battling performance by Cattermole on his comeback from injury inspires the rest of the team to a 0-0 result.
Reality: I was unable to be at this game and so, apparently, was Janazai. I only expected one point and so we are now only (?) eight points down on my prediction. In true Len Shackleton literary style – remember the blank page in his autobiography? – , I have put the same effort into this update as Janazai has to his whole season with us.
Wrinkly Pete 4/4/17
Apr 4 Leics (a) Lose. Leicester get the three points they need to avoid the drop, avoiding the shame that they would have suffered as relegated champions. [they need rather more but look comfortable in 13th – Ed]
Apr 8 Man U (h) Lose. The shrinking violet that is Mourinho finally gets his team playing like Chelski and Ibrahimavich is unplayable.
Apr 15 West Ham (h) Win. We get revenge with a 1-0 win in the 94th minute.
Apr 22 Arsenal (a) Lose. Miffed at not being in the FA cup semi-final, The Gunners take it out on us, with the four foot tall Sanchez getting a hat trick of headed goals.
Apr 29 Bournemouth (h) Lose. We have the jitters, with safety in sight, Bournemouth are by now already safe.
May 6 Hull (a) Win. Hull become our Norwich of last season as we secure their relegation.
May 13 Swansea (h) Win. Swansea, who are already down, give in to allow us to escape again.
May 21 Chelsea (a) Lose. Who cares?
We survive with 37 points, the same total as last season.
As if I could care less, Palace are also relegated. This then is Big Sam’s first relegation and completes a miserable season for him personally.
Wrinkly Pete.
* NB: the reality check that is Sunderland AFC has left us on 20 points. To reach Pete’s 37, we need to improve on his predictions for the remaining nine games. Two wins and two draws instead of four of his five projected defeats would do the trick. I swear pigs just flew past the window. I shall add a link later to the full lost of Pete’s predictions and how they panned out. – Ed
What else have we written about Leicester? Here’s a selection from our archives
