The top-four may not have been in action on Saturday in the Premier League but there was still plenty to talk about at both ends of the table.
Manchester United's Champions League aspirations are all but over, while Southampton continue to quietly impress as they climb up the table.
Manchester United say goodbye to Champions League qualification
Sunderland's 2-1 win over Manchester United at the Stadium of Light all but ended United's chances of qualifying for the Champions League by finishing in the top-four.
Goals from Wahbi Khazri and a David de Gea own goal handed Sam Allardyce's team a much-needed win as The Black Cats look to move away from the relegation zone. After the match, United captain Wayne Rooney admitted that winning the Europa League may be the best way to reach next season's Champions League.
"It will be difficult to qualify for the Champions League now through the top 4." - Wayne Rooney. #SUNMUN https://t.co/vE7AOSjFGO
— Setanta Sports (@SetantaSports) February 13, 2016
Louis van Gaal's side will be at least six points behind fourth spot at the end of the weekend depending what happens in Sunday's games. With the league campaign all but over should United now focus on the FA Cup and Europa League?
They face Danish side Midtjylland in the Europa League Round of 32 on Thursday. A place in the last eight of the FC Cup also looks likely as a trip to Shrewsbury awaits in the Fifth Round.
Southampton are quietly making a move for Europe
Ronald Koeman's side are continuing to impress in the Premier League without the notice of the wider public. Southampton travelled to Wales on Saturday and came away from the Liberty Stadium with a 1-0 win.
Shane Long scored just after the hour mark as Southampton remain unbeaten in six games, a run which includes five wins and six clean sheets.
Wonderful 6th clean sheet in a row, and 6th in the league #WeMarchOn pic.twitter.com/SqnfaeTVUM
— Ronald Koeman (@RonaldKoeman) February 13, 2016
Southampton suffered six defeats in eight games between the middle of November and start of January. Koeman's position seemed under pressure as the Saints went into freefall, but the Southampton hierarchy stuck by their man and it appears to have paid off.
The south coast side finished in the European positions last season and are now only a point behind Manchester United who lie in the Europa League spots. Southampton are already out of the FA Cup and have no European commitments, meaning Koeman's team have just 12 games left this season and will fancy another shot at the Europa League next year.
West Brom dig-in to earn a victory at Goodison Park
Everton beating West Brom comfortably seemed to be one of the safer bets on Saturday afternoon, but that's not how it turned out.
Tony Pulis' side snatched a 1-0 win at Goodison Park after Solomon Rondon scored inside the first 15 minutes. The Baggies then held out, as a wasteful Everton failed to break down West Brom's defence.
Everton 0-1 West Brom FT:
Shots: 34-5
Pass accuracy: 87%-58%
Clearances: 18-66
Possession: 64%-36%Peak Pulis. pic.twitter.com/g9wDxgmh7m
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) February 13, 2016
West Brom had not won any of their previous five league games before Saturday's smash-and-grab on Merseyside and were struggling badly to find the back of the net as they began to slide down the table. Eight points now separate West Brom from the relegation zone and they should survive another season in the Premier League.
Pulis teams do not play the most eye-catching of football, but with the television bonanza entering the coffers of Premier League teams next season, West Brom's owners won't mind how they stay alive this season.
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