For the first time in 6 years, a newcomer is not relegated from the Premier League

Bournemouth were not trusted, Fulham were considered a yo-yo team and nothing could be expected from Nottingham. However, with a round to go before the end of the season, all of last year’s Championship runners-up are saved, something that hasn’t happened much in the recent past.

Ironically, probably the biggest potential to succeed and comfortably save themselves was given the massive summer strengthening of Nottingham, who peeked into the Premier League for the first time since 1999. He invested in the squad by essentially buying two new kits.

The management had no choice, the second division roster was made up entirely of guest players. It took time for the newcomers to settle in, but over the winter Nottingham stabilised and secured their salvation with a win over Arsenal two rounds from the end.

As for Fulham, a great transfer policy has kept the London outfit fighting for survival. Joao Palhinha dominated the midfield, Willian brought the necessary experience and numbers, Bernd Leno was magical between the three poles.

Fulham are playing for mid-table for the second part of the season, it even looked like Europe. A ban for Aleksandar Mitrovic for unsporting behaviour robbed them of that. The author of the 14+2 record was suspended for eight games.

Bournemouth are having the most peculiar year of the trio of newcomers. A seemingly second-tier squad has been suitably replenished and comfortably rescued over the winter. Phillip Billing, Dominic Solanke and goalkeeper Neto are the main protagonists.

The last time all rookies saved themselves among the elite was in the 2017/18 season. That’s when Newcastle returned to the Premier League, and with it two surprising ones. Huddersfield saved themselves thanks to a good first half of the season, Brighton got three more points.

West Bromwich, who finished tenth the year before, wandered down a league. The other two teams couldn’t recover from relegation and are still struggling in the Championship. Specifically, Stoke City and Welsh side Swansea.

Source: Premier League