They have a clear way of playing unlike the majority of lower half teams so they were unlikely to really be in a relegation battle. I perceive that Pearson would like to have us playing the same way, solid with pace on the counter.
Vieira was unlucky simply due to the run of fixtures and predictably they pulled away as soon as they played easier teams.
Ultimately they are no bigger a fanbase than us so if they can do it hopefully it could be us in a few years