Aston Villa were sure for the drop, but can they sensationally turn things around, like these teams managed to..?
Aston Villa ended their long wait for a Premier League win on Tuesday night, with new boss Tim Sherwood bagging his first three point haul since taking over the managerial reigns from sacked Paul Lambert.
The victory begged the question – could Sherwood lead Villa, who were considered a certainty for relegation following a dismal first-half of the season, to safety?
In light of such drama, we take a look at some of the greatest ever Premier League escapes – including a stunning moment from Juventus star Carlos Tevez in his Hammers days…
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(Videos) Tim Sherwood Reacts To His First Win As Aston Villa Boss In Typical Tim Sherwood Fashion
Six Of The Worst Teams In Premier League History Teams As Relegation Dogfight Hots Up
West Ham United – 2006/07
Three consecutive victories saw the Hammers’ Premier League survival boil down to the final day of the season – and who else were they to need three points against than English giants Manchester United.
But they did just that. Star man Carlos Tevez capped off an epic recovery for the Irons – scoring the winner at Old Trafford to ensure they remained in the top-flight, and forever indebted to the Argentinian.
Wigan Athletic – 2011/12
The Latics were involved in a relegation scrap for much of the campaign – but an incredible title-challenging bout of form saw the club comfortably avoid the drop.
It was victory over Liverpool at Anfield that started their stunning run, firing Roberto Martinez’s men to expertly brush aside Manchester United, Arsenal and Newcastle United with victories.
West Bromwich Albion – 2004/05
Until this very campaign, no team that had been bottom of the table at Christmas had been able to avoid the drop come May – but it was the Baggies who banished the miserable tradition.
In March they grabbed three wins out of fours, along with draws against Villa, Tottenham Hotspur and the Red Devils, which guaranteed their safety.
The 2004/05 season was the first to see all three relegation spots confirmed on the final day of action.
Everton – 1993/94
The Toffees’ Premier League survival went down to the wire – a draw would have seen their fate in the hands of Ipswich and Blackburn, but they secured their stay in an epic 3-2 victory over Wimbledon.
The Blues were 2-0 down at Goodison Park early on, but a penalty, a stunning volley from Barry Horne, and a goalkeeping error saw Everton dramatically clinch the three points and their survival.
Portsmouth – 2005/06
Pompey had just 18 points at the beginning of March, and defeat to Villa left the club a gloomy eight points off 17th-placed with just 10 games to go.
Portsmouth needed inspiration – and they got just that. A sublime extra time volley to snatch victory against Manchester City by Pendro Mendes lifted the team, and they went on to win six out of their last 10 fixtures to make a heroic run to safety.
