Fulham stuns Liverpool, as Southampton is relegated

Liverpool fell to a shock defeat on its march to the Premier League title — losing 3-2 at Fulham on Sunday.

At the other end of the standings, Southampton became the first team to be relegated from England's top flight this season, after a 3-1 defeat to Tottenham.

In the later game, Manchester United and Manchester City played out a turgid 0-0 draw at Old Trafford.

Liverpool's loss meant it missed the chance to move 14 points clear of second-placed Arsenal, and a step closer to a record-equaling 20th English league title. A stunning first-half fightback from Fulham at Craven Cottage saw Arne Slot's team lose for only the second time in the league this season.

"A very poor first half in terms of the goals we conceded, it was so unnecessary, and then you're fighting a very tough battle," Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk said.

"We tried everything in the second half, but when you ship three goals in the first half it's very difficult."

Arsenal's 1-1 draw with Everton on Saturday had given Liverpool an unexpected boost in the race for the title, but, despite going ahead through Alexis Mac Allister's goal in the 14th minute, the visitors were 3-1 down at halftime.

Ryan Sessegnon, Alex Iwobi and Rodrigo Muniz all found the back of the net in a thrilling 14-minute spell. Luis Diaz got Liverpool's second after the break.

Liverpool remains 11 points ahead of Arsenal and on course to win the title. With seven games remaining, it needs 11 more points to be assured of being crowned champion.

Disappointing derby

They once called Manchester the capital of English soccer.

Not anymore.

A miserable Manchester derby ended goalless at Old Trafford, in a game that lacked intensity and entertainment.

"It's a Manchester derby and it should have more blood, thunder, risk and courage involved in playing and trying to win the game than that," said Sky Sports commentator and former United captain Gary Neville.

In a game of few clear chances, City's Omar Marmoush and United's Joshua Zirkzee came closest to scoring.

"I understand that ... we are playing the worst season in (United's) history. Manchester City won everything in the past, (but) this season it is struggling. We are not in the best position to give the best spectacle to every fan," United head coach Ruben Amorim said. "When we are not fighting for the big things, of course it's different."

A troubled campaign for both the red and blue halves of the city is drawing to a close, and there is now the very real danger of no Manchester representation in the Champions League next season for the first time since 1995-96.

United's only realistic hope of qualifying is by winning the Europa League, having advanced to the quarterfinals.

City, which won European club soccer's biggest prize in 2023, is embroiled a battle to secure its place in next year's competition.

The top four in the league qualify automatically, and England is in prime position to be handed a bonus fifth place for next year's competition.

As of Sunday night, City sits fifth — one point ahead of Aston Villa in sixth. Newcastle was seventh with two games in hand.

"I'd prefer to have 10 more points or 12 more points, but it is what it is," said City manager Pep Guardiola. "I'm not concerned about next season right now, I'm just concerned about recovery, (the next games against) Crystal Palace, Everton, Aston Villa and the FA Cup semifinals."

Guardiola also addressed abusive chants directed at City forward Phil Foden about his mother.

The City boss condemned the behavior, stating: " (It was) a lack of class, but it's not Manchester United, it's the people. It's lack of integrity, class and they should be ashamed."

Foden wasn't the only subject of United fans' ire on Sunday. They also staged their latest protest against the club's ownership with a pre-arranged sit-in after the match.

Dissatisfied supporters staged a march ahead of the game against Arsenal last month, with thousands joining in.

The latest protest looked less impactful. One banner called for the removal of the club's American owners, the Glazer family.

Saints go marching out

With just 10 points from 31 games, last-placed Southampton's fate was finally sealed with defeat at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The Saints' relegation is the joint fourth earliest in the Premier League era, according to the league's statistician Opta.

Derby's drop on March 29 in 2008 is still the earliest relegation since the league began in 1992.

Huddersfield and Fulham suffered earlier relegations than Southampton, which is now joint with Leicester in 2002.

According to Opta, Southampton is the first Premier League team to be relegated with seven or more games still to play in the campaign.

"We are disappointed," Southampton manager Ivan Juric said.

"It has to be a big school for everything — for us, for me, for the players, for the club — to see what we did wrong."

Two first-half goals from Tottenham's Brennan Johnson put Southampton on course for a 25th league defeat of the season.

Mateus Fernandes pulled one back late on for the visitor, before Mathys Tel struck a third for Spurs from the penalty spot in added time.

Chelsea remains fourth after a 0-0 draw at Brentford.

Agencies via Xinhua