The sceptics are out in force writing off Norwich City's survival hopes – but Gary O'Neil is having none of it.

The Canaries' suffered a Saturday disaster in their crucial Premier League relegation battle with Sunderland at Carrow Road. They are now left with a fortnight to prepare for their trip to Arsenal, while in the meantime Sunderland and Newcastle have the chance to overtake them in the table – and leave City's bid to maintain their top-flight status in tatters.

The Magpies also won on Saturday but it was the 3-0 win over the Canaries that leaves the Black Cats favourites – in most people's eyes – to escape the drop.

'I'm not going to say anything to those who think that,' said O'Neil. 'They can believe what they're going to believe. We're an honest group. We will go into the next four games and give everything we can, as we did here.

'Sometimes it's not enough, sometimes things go against you. But there is no other option – we will go to Arsenal in a fortnight and try to get something.

'We're still in front, the teams still need points to catch us, their games aren't easy. So we'll see.'

Tomorrow night sees Newcastle host Manchester City before they travel to Liverpool on Saturday, while Sunderland host Arsenal the following day. Meanwhile City will have to watch on, thanks to Watford's FA Cup semi-final involvement before the final run-in begins – the Magpies by that point having played a game more than their two nearest rivals.

City sit one point ahead of Sunderland and three of Newcastle.

O'Neil added: 'Yes we could be in the bottom three by the next time we play, but there a chance we won't be too. Those two are down there because they haven't been winning games, like us.

'It's going to go to the wire and our two home games will be massive. I know one is against Manchester United but we've done OK here against bigger teams and put decent performances in. So that and Watford are going to be key to us.'

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