Cardiff’s hopes of survival are dented by Babel
Ryan Babel dealt Neil Warnock another blow in what the Cardiff manager admits has been a season of “kicks in the teeth”.
The Bluebirds were shoved closer to the drop after a 1- 0 defeat at Fulham, courtesy of a 25- yard wonder- goal from Babel.
With 11 minutes remaining and a stalemate on the cards, the Dutch winger collected the ball from Cyrus Christie and hit a fierce first- time shot which curled away from keeper Neil Etheridge as it flew into the top corner.
“He was probably the only player on the pitch who could have scored it,” said Warnock.
“It was a great finish and I can’t complain about that. That’s the Premier League for you.
“For me it brings home the Emiliano Sala tragedy. I thought he could have got us 10 goals. It’s been blow after blow for us.
“We’ve been kicked in the teeth up hill and down dale, but the players have to keep going.”
Diogo Jota fired Wolves to victory in their revenge mission against Watford as they took charge of the race for seventh spot.
Ben Fo s t e r’s error gifted Jota a secondhalf winner at Vicarage Road to clinch a late 2-1 victory.
Raul Jimenez opened the scoring with his 17th goal of the season before Andre Gray levelled against his hometown club.
Seventh would net a Europa League qualifying spot if the Hornets lose to Manchester City in next month’s FA Cup final. Wolves now sit seventh in the table, four points clear of Watford and Everton.
Cr ystal Palace and Everton played out a forgettable goalless draw at Selhurst Park to dent the visitors’ chances of ending the season with European qualification.
After thrashing Manchester United last weekend, the Toffees could not find a way past Palace.
With fellow European hopefuls Wolves winning a t Wa t f o rd , Ev e r t o n are now four points adrift of Nuno Espirito Santo’s side.
Ever ton chairman Bill Kenwright gave £ 5 to all of those Everton fans travelling with the club’s official coaches so they could buy a drink when they arrived in south London.
But there was little to toast on a breezy afternoon, with Bernard’s shot off a post the closest either side came to netting a winner.
Callum Wilson’s smart Bournemouth double denied Southampton the south coast bragging rights, but Saints still sealed their top- flight safety with a 3-3 draw.
Shane Long’s fourth goal in five league games handed Saints the perfect start, only for Dan Gosling and Callum Wilson to turn the tide for Bournemouth.
James Ward- Prowse drilled a fine equaliser after the break before Matt Targett nodded in to cap a smart Saints move.
Wilson then spoiled the Saints’ party late on.