Manchester City nearly secured their fourth straight Premier League title by easily defeating Fulham 4-0 on Saturday, while Burnley were dropped from the top tier after a 2-1 loss to Tottenham.
Luton are also almost relegated as a 3-1 loss at West Ham left them three points behind safety with a goal difference 13 worse than Nottingham Forest with just one game left.
At Craven Cottage, defender Josko Gvardiol continued his impressive goal-scoring run, but there was no surprise in the title race.
The Croatian calmed any City worries by scoring with his weaker right foot after only 13 minutes.
Pep Guardiola’s team were in control but had to wait until the hour mark for Phil Foden to score his 25th goal of the season and secure the win.
Gvardiol then scored from Bernardo Silva’s cross for his fifth City goal, all of which have come in his last seven games.
Despite being given a penalty in stoppage time, the £77 million ($96 million) signing from RB Leipzig declined to take it, allowing Julian Alvarez to complete the scoring.
The win puts City two points ahead at the top of the table and increases the pressure on second-placed Arsenal ahead of their match against Manchester United on Sunday.
If the Gunners fail to win, City could secure the title when they play against Tottenham on Tuesday.
“My players thrive under pressure, they are accustomed to it. The players enjoy this sensation,” said Guardiola.
“The fate (of the title) is in our control.”
– Burnley demoted –
Spurs kept their hopes of Champions League football alive for the next season by coming from behind to relegate Burnley to the Championship.
Jacob Bruun Larsen gave the Clarets an unexpected lead after Sander Berge’s pass exposed the Tottenham defense.
Spurs had lost their last four matches, but they reversed the game to move within four points of fourth-placed Aston Villa.
Pedro Porro scored an equalizer that soared past Arijanet Muric.
Micky Van de Ven then scored the winning goal, ensuring that Spurs will at least be in Europe next season.
“Today the Premier League is over but tomorrow we start day one of doing everything we can to get back to the Premier League,” said Burnley boss Vincent Kompany.
“The game went similar to how others have gone for us this season. We created chances, but we missed the final pass.”
Luton will also return to the Championship next season after squandering a 1-0 lead and losing to West Ham in David Moyes’ final home game as the Hammers' manager.
Albert Sambi Lokonga’s early header gave the visitors hope for a miraculous escape.
But second-half goals from James Ward-Prowse, Tomas Soucek and George Earthy essentially sealed Luton’s time in the Premier League after an incredible journey back to the top flight for the first time in 32 years.
With Luton set to join Burnley and Sheffield United in the drop, all three promoted clubs will be relegated, highlighting the increasing gap between the two divisions.
Forest can secure Luton's relegation by not losing at home to Chelsea later on Saturday.
Newcastle failed to strengthen their hold on European qualification after drawing 1-1 with Brighton.
Sean Longstaff equalized Joel Veltman's early goal for the Seagulls at St James' Park.
But sixth-placed Newcastle are only three points ahead of Chelsea and Manchester United, who both have a game in hand.
Crystal Palace's impressive form under manager Oliver Glasner continued with a 3-1 win at Wolves.
Michael Olise, Jean-Philippe Mateta and Eberechi Eze scored for the Eagles, who move up to 12th.
Abdoulaye Doucoure scored the lone goal as Everton defeated Sheffield United 1-0.
Yoane Wissa scored a 95th-minute goal for Brentford to claim a 2-1 victory at Bournemouth.
Manchester City moved closer to a fourth consecutive Premier League title by defeating Fulham 4-0 on Saturday, while Burnley were relegated from the top flight after a 2-1 loss to Tottenham. Luton are also effectively down after a 3-1 loss at West Ham left them three points behind safety with a goal difference […]
AFP
