Comparison between the Premier League's "Other 14" reveals key area NUFC must improve on
A hypothetical Premier League table showing how things would look if none of the 'big six' were in the division highlights one key area we must improve this season - picking up points against our potential relegation rivals.
The information comes courtesy of Twitter page @TheOther14 - which focuses on sides outside the big six - and showcases the fact we've struggled to pick up points against several of our relegation rivals, taking 9 points from a possible 21 against Norwich, Watford, West Ham, Brighton, Wolves, Villa and Leicester.
Here's the table in full when it comes to points picked up when sides from the 'other 14' have faced each other this season:
Monday night's defeat to Aston Villa means that only Watford, Southampton, and Norwich City have performed worse against teams outside the top 6 this season - so it's easy to see why all three are currently in the drop zone - but it's a concern that we've picked up just 2 points from games against Watford (draw), Norwich (defeat), Brighton (draw) and Aston Villa (defeat) this season.
We've done brilliantly to come away with impressive victories over both Tottenham and Manchester United this season, but with games against Sheffield United, Southampton, Burnley, Palace and Everton coming up between now and the new year, it's key we bring our a game over such a 'winnable' period.
Who knows, we may continue beating the big guns and come away with a shock win over Man City on Saturday, but it feels like we can’t keep relying on surprise results against the bigger teams, and instead get it right more consistently against the league's more 'beatable' sides.
