Saints relegated in record time as Red’s unbeaten run ends

London, April 6: The Premier League weekend served up a mix of history, heartbreak, and high drama as Southampton became the first team to be relegated with seven games remaining, Chelsea stumbled in west London, and Liverpool’s long unbeaten run came to a screeching halt at Craven Cottage.
Southampton Relegated After Spurs Defeat
Southampton’s fate was sealed in brutal fashion as they suffered a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur, becoming the earliest relegated team in Premier League history.
A first-half brace from Brennan Johnson put Spurs firmly in control. The Welshman struck early, slotting home a cut-back from Djed Spence in the 13th minute, before doubling the lead by deftly flicking in James Maddison’s header just before the break.
Southampton showed some late fight, with Mateus Fernandes pulling one back in the 90th minute. However, any hopes of a dramatic comeback were crushed as Mathys Tel calmly converted a stoppage-time penalty after Welington fouled Johnson.
The loss means Southampton are now mathematically down with seven games still left to play. They remain rock bottom with just 10 points — two shy of Derby County’s infamous 11-point haul from the 2007-08 season.Despite fan unrest and protests at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Ange Postecoglou’s side responded with purpose. The win lifts them to 13th in the table on 37 points, easing any lingering fears of being dragged into a relegation battle themselves.
Chelsea Frustrated by Brentford
Chelsea’s top-four hopes took another dent as they were held to a goalless draw by Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium. Despite making wholesale changes from the side that beat Spurs earlier in the week, Mauricio Pochettino’s men failed to spark.
Brentford had the better of the first half, with Mikkel Damsgaard missing two good opportunities and Keane Lewis-Potter forcing a strong save from Robert Sanchez. The hosts came closest through Bryan Mbeumo, who intercepted a poor clearance but dragged his shot wide.
Chelsea improved after the break, especially after Nicolas Jackson and Cole Palmer were introduced from the bench. Jackson nearly forced an own goal from Sepp van den Bergh, while James and Palmer had efforts saved by Brentford keeper Mark Flekken.
Despite late pressure, the deadlock remained unbroken. Chelsea, still fourth, missed the chance to close in on third-placed Nottingham Forest, while Brentford sit 12th, eight points adrift of the European places.
Fulham End Reds’
Unbeaten Streak
Liverpool’s 26-game unbeaten run in the league came to a dramatic end as Fulham claimed a 3-2 victory at Craven Cottage.Alexis Mac Allister gave the league leaders the perfect start with a stunning long-range effort, but the hosts turned the game on its head with three goals in a 13-minute blitz. Ryan Sessegnon netted a quick equaliser, Alex Iwobi capitalised on a defensive error to put Fulham ahead, and Rodrigo Muniz added a third after a slick one-two to finish past Caoimhin Kelleher.Luis Diaz pulled one back in the 72nd minute to set up a tense finale, but Liverpool were unable to find a leveller. Harvey Elliott hit the bar late on, while Federico Chiesa and Elliott had half-chances deep into stoppage time.
Despite the setback, Arne Slot’s side remains 11 points clear at the summit, needing just 11 more to secure a record-equalling 20th league title. Fulham, meanwhile, leap into eighth — keeping their European dreams alive.As the season edges closer to its conclusion, the battle for survival is settled for Southampton, but the race for Europe and the title charge are still very much alive. (Agencies)