Watford have moved out of the relegation places for the first time this season after a dominant 2-0 win over AFC Bournemouth on Sunday.
Although Aston Villa have to play champions Manchester City in the final game on Sunday, the sense of relief was evident to see on the face of Nigel Pearson and his coaching staff.
Captain Troy Deeney celebrates scoring the second for Watford
Since being appointed as Quique Sanchez Flores successor, the former Leicester City boss has revitalised the Hornets and has lead the club to four wins in his last five games.
Conversely, Bournemouth have lost nine of their last 11 games under Eddie Howe and the pressure is growing on the young manager.
Replacement goalkeeper Mark Travers did little to help his boss as his poor first half clearance found Ismaila Sarr, who crossed for Abdoulaye Doucoure to score.
The visitors wrapped the game up in the second half after yet more positive work from Sarr, whose deflected cross fell into the path of captain Troy Deeney to smash home and send the jubilant fans back to Hertfordshire in buoyant mood.
Mark Travers could not make amends for his mistake as he gifted Watford the opener
In the 93rd minute, Roberto Pereyra made the game safe and sealed an emphatic win as a penalty box scramble fell to the former Juventus man, who controlled his volley perfectly past Travers and the despairing leap of Ryan Fraser.
The result means Bournemouth are now two points behind Watford in the Premier League table, with a huge clash against Norwich City at Carrow Road still to play.
For Watford, Pearson has an FA Cup replay against Tranmere to prepare for on Tuesday, before they take on Tottenham Hotspur at Vicarage Road in the first of three live and exclusive games you can hear as part of talkSPORTs GameDay coverage.
More to follow…