Looking at the likes of Tiote and Sissoko this season I have wondered at times. They both wanted moves last summer after we just stayed up and both didn't get to leave. If we go down, they'll be off for sure to trim the wage bill. Not saying they've been throwing games, but I don't put it past either of them, or any teammate who fancies a move, to think "fuck it, its better for me if the team goes down anyway" and just carry on not giving a shit or putting effort in.
Tiote hasn't played that much this season and has generally been an improvement in midfield when he has apart from today. Sissoko has created most of our chances in our team and has put in a decent shift at left back, a position that would be easy to "throw" a game. Neither player has done anything that has directly led to a goal for the other team either IIRC