The Premier League standings had a decisive week as Manchester City, Arsenal and Aston Villa registered crucial wins in their pursuit of the title. However, it is at the bottom where things looks very interesting as Wolves face an improbable task of avoiding the relegation. With half of the season gone, room for encouragement is very less for the team from West Midlands as they occupy the bottom spot in the league. So here’s a look at four teams that survived relegation despite being bottom at Christmas in the Premier League.&nbsp;<h2>West Bromwich Albion (2004-05)</h2>West Bromwich Albion’s 2004–05 Premier League relegation scrap remains one of the most dramatic survival stories in English football history. Nicknamed “The Great Escape,” Albion became the first club to avoid relegation after being bottom of the table at Christmas, with their chances looking bleak deep into the season.&nbsp;&nbsp;Under manager Bryan Robson, West Brom staged a remarkable late surge, taking crucial points in the final weeks, including an unforgettable last-day victory over Portsmouth. Survival was sealed as rivals Crystal Palace, Norwich City, and Southampton all failed to win, allowing Albion to finish 17th and stay up by a single point.<h2>Sunderland (2013-14)</h2>Sunderland’s 2013–14 Premier League relegation scrap stands as one of the club’s most memorable survival battles, defined by resilience and a remarkable late turnaround. After spending much of the season in the bottom three, Sunderland appointed Gus Poyet in October, who gradually instilled belief despite a heavy fixture backlog caused by cup commitments.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Black Cats produced a stunning revival in the run-in, highlighted by back-to-back home victories over title-chasing Chelsea and Manchester City, results that transformed their survival hopes. A dramatic final-day draw at home to West Bromwich Albion ensured safety, with Sunderland finishing 14th, well clear of the drop zone. Against the odds, their escape became a classic example of grit and timely brilliance under pressure.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-leonard-hutton-to-don-bradman-5-batters-with-highest-individual-score-in-ashes-bob-simpson-bob-cowper-ashes-2025-26-1762276944046">From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes</a><h2>Leicester City (2014-15)</h2>Leicester City’s 2014–15 Premier League relegation scrap is one of the most extraordinary survival stories the league has witnessed. For much of the season, the Foxes looked destined for an immediate return to the Championship, spending long spells rooted to the bottom of the table and facing a seemingly insurmountable points gap by early April.&nbsp;&nbsp;However, under Nigel Pearson, Leicester produced a stunning late-season revival, winning seven of their final nine matches, including crucial victories over West Ham, Swansea, and Newcastle. This remarkable run lifted them from the foot of the table to a 14th-place finish, securing safety with games to spare and laying the foundations for their astonishing title triumph just a year later.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-steve-smith-to-joe-root-5-active-batters-with-most-runs-in-ashes-ben-stokes-jonny-bairstow-usman-khawaja-1762275784636">From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes</a><h2>Wolves (2022-23)</h2>Wolverhampton Wanderers’ 2022–23 Premier League relegation scrap was a tense and hard-fought battle marked by a dramatic turnaround in the second half of the season. After a poor start left Wolves deep in trouble near the bottom of the table, the club turned to Julen Lopetegui in November, whose arrival brought renewed structure, belief, and defensive solidity. Key victories against fellow strugglers, along with vital home wins at Molineux, gradually pulled Wolves away from danger, while an improved goal threat in the run-in proved crucial.

With half of the Premier League season gone, room for encouragement is very less for the team from West Midlands as they occupy the bottom spot in the league. So here’s a look at four teams that survived relegation despite being bottom at Christmas in the Premier League. 

The Premier League standings had a decisive week as Manchester City, Arsenal and Aston Villa registered crucial wins in their pursuit of the title. However, it is at the bottom where things looks very interesting as Wolves face an improbable task of avoiding the relegation. With half of the season gone, room for encouragement is very less for the team from West Midlands as they occupy the bottom spot in the league. So here’s a look at four teams that survived relegation despite being bottom at Christmas in the Premier League. West Bromwich Albion (2004-05) West Bromwich Albion’s 2004–05 Premier League relegation scrap remains one of the most dramatic survival stories in English football history. Nicknamed “The Great Escape,” Albion became the first club to avoid relegation after being bottom of the table at Christmas, with their chances looking bleak deep into the season. Under manager Bryan Robson, West Brom staged a remarkable late surge, taking crucial points in the final weeks, including an unforgettable last-day victory over Portsmouth. Survival was sealed as rivals Crystal Palace, Norwich City, and Southampton all failed to win, allowing Albion to finish 17th and stay up by a single point. Sunderland (2013-14) Sunderland’s 2013–14 Premier League relegation scrap stands as one of the club’s most memorable survival battles, defined by resilience and a remarkable late turnaround. After spending much of the season in the bottom three, Sunderland appointed Gus Poyet in October, who gradually instilled belief despite a heavy fixture backlog caused by cup commitments. The Black Cats produced a stunning revival in the run-in, highlighted by back-to-back home victories over title-chasing Chelsea and Manchester City, results that transformed their survival hopes. A dramatic final-day draw at home to West Bromwich Albion ensured safety, with Sunderland finishing 14th, well clear of the drop zone. Against the odds, their escape became a classic example of grit and timely brilliance under pressure. ALSO READ | From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes Leicester City (2014-15) Leicester City’s 2014–15 Premier League relegation scrap is one of the most extraordinary survival stories the league has witnessed. For much of the season, the Foxes looked destined for an immediate return to the Championship, spending long spells rooted to the bottom of the table and facing a seemingly insurmountable points gap by early April. However, under Nigel Pearson, Leicester produced a stunning late-season revival, winning seven of their final nine matches, including crucial victories over West Ham, Swansea, and Newcastle. This remarkable run lifted them from the foot of the table to a 14th-place finish, securing safety with games to spare and laying the foundations for their astonishing title triumph just a year later. ALSO READ | From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes Wolves (2022-23) Wolverhampton Wanderers’ 2022–23 Premier League relegation scrap was a tense and hard-fought battle marked by a dramatic turnaround in the second half of the season. After a poor start left Wolves deep in trouble near the bottom of the table, the club turned to Julen Lopetegui in November, whose arrival brought renewed structure, belief, and defensive solidity. Key victories against fellow strugglers, along with vital home wins at Molineux, gradually pulled Wolves away from danger, while an improved goal threat in the run-in proved crucial.

With half of the Premier League season gone, room for encouragement is very less for the team from West Midlands as they occupy the bottom spot in the league. So here’s a look at four teams that survived relegation despite being bottom at Christmas in the Premier League.&nbsp;

Meet four teams that survived Premier League relegation despite being bottom at Christmas

Wolves' FA Cup victory over local rivals West Bromwich Albion was held up as fans fought a bloody battle in the stands on Sunday.

Play was halted by referee Thomas Bramall late in the second half at the Hawthorns when fans spilled onto the pitch as fighting broke out in one corner of the stadium.

One supporter was escorted away with blood streaming from a head wound.

Play resumed after a delay of 38 minutes and the final 12 minutes of Wolves' 2-0 win were finished with no further incidents.

The ugly scenes came in the first meeting between the bitter rivals with fans allowed in 12 years.

Violence broke out on a large scale shortly after Matheus Cunha had given Wolves a two-goal lead over their 'Black Country' neighbours in the 78th minute of the fourth-round clash.

West Brom hooligans appeared to attack Wolves fans who were sitting in a section of the Hawthorns reserved for home supporters.

Police and stewards rushed to the disturbance as missiles and punches were thrown at both ends of the ground.

The teams left the pitch to return to the dressing rooms, with West Brom defender Kyle Bartley holding his child in his arms after taking him from an area near the trouble.

There had earlier been pockets of trouble in other parts of the ground.

Fans threw flares in the away section after Wolves opened the scoring in the first half. Objects were also thrown at Wolves' Tommy Doyle as he prepared to take a corner.

West Brom captain Jed Wallace admitted the shocking scenes had taken a toll on his side.

"You focus on the game and then it's kicking off. A lot of the players were distressed because that's where their families sit," he said.

"They were worried about their children, that's why you could see some of them running over. No-one wants to see that in football.&nbsp;

"They're two huge clubs with passionate supporters. You hope it keeps a lid on it at times.&nbsp;

"The game was played in a good spirit on the pitch. You fly into tackles and shake hands after."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/were-not-pathetic-wi-skipper-kraigg-brathwaite-hits-back-at-former-australia-player-after-famous-gabba-win-684489">We're not pathetic: WI skipper Kraigg Brathwaite hits back at former Australia player after famous Gabba win</a>

Speaking after his club's first win at the Hawthorns since 1996, Wolves goal-scorer Cunha insisted he never felt threatened by the violence.

"I'm from South America, this kind of thing happens, as long as everyone is safe," he said.&nbsp;

"It is bad when you see some children crying and things like that, but the most important thing is everyone is safe.&nbsp;

"Derby days are always incredible, the atmosphere is amazing. After 2-0 it was calm. We came back out for the final 10 minutes and got the win."

West Brom are certain to face a Football Association probe into their handling of the clashes, with questions set to be asked over how Wolves fans were able to get tickets in the home end.

Wolves' FA Cup victory over local rivals West Bromwich Albion was held up as fans fought a bloody battle in the stands on Sunday. Play was halted by referee Thomas Bramall late in the second half at the Hawthorns when fans spilled onto the pitch as fighting broke out in one corner of the stadium.

Wolves' FA Cup victory over local rivals West Bromwich Albion was held up as fans fought a bloody battle in the stands on Sunday. Play was halted by referee Thomas Bramall late in the second half at the Hawthorns when fans spilled onto the pitch as fighting broke out in one corner of the stadium. One supporter was escorted away with blood streaming from a head wound. Play resumed after a delay of 38 minutes and the final 12 minutes of Wolves' 2-0 win were finished with no further incidents. The ugly scenes came in the first meeting between the bitter rivals with fans allowed in 12 years. Violence broke out on a large scale shortly after Matheus Cunha had given Wolves a two-goal lead over their 'Black Country' neighbours in the 78th minute of the fourth-round clash. West Brom hooligans appeared to attack Wolves fans who were sitting in a section of the Hawthorns reserved for home supporters. Police and stewards rushed to the disturbance as missiles and punches were thrown at both ends of the ground. The teams left the pitch to return to the dressing rooms, with West Brom defender Kyle Bartley holding his child in his arms after taking him from an area near the trouble. There had earlier been pockets of trouble in other parts of the ground. Fans threw flares in the away section after Wolves opened the scoring in the first half. Objects were also thrown at Wolves' Tommy Doyle as he prepared to take a corner. West Brom captain Jed Wallace admitted the shocking scenes had taken a toll on his side. "You focus on the game and then it's kicking off. A lot of the players were distressed because that's where their families sit," he said. "They were worried about their children, that's why you could see some of them running over. No-one wants to see that in football. "They're two huge clubs with passionate supporters. You hope it keeps a lid on it at times. "The game was played in a good spirit on the pitch. You fly into tackles and shake hands after." ALSO READ | We're not pathetic: WI skipper Kraigg Brathwaite hits back at former Australia player after famous Gabba win Speaking after his club's first win at the Hawthorns since 1996, Wolves goal-scorer Cunha insisted he never felt threatened by the violence. "I'm from South America, this kind of thing happens, as long as everyone is safe," he said. "It is bad when you see some children crying and things like that, but the most important thing is everyone is safe. "Derby days are always incredible, the atmosphere is amazing. After 2-0 it was calm. We came back out for the final 10 minutes and got the win." West Brom are certain to face a Football Association probe into their handling of the clashes, with questions set to be asked over how Wolves fans were able to get tickets in the home end.

Wolves' FA Cup derby win over West Brom interrupted by crowd trouble

A 49-year-old man has been arrested in suspicion of racially abusing West Brom midfielder Romaine Sawyers during club's 5-0 Premier League home defeat by Manchester City on Tuesday.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/disgusted-chelsea-strongly-condemns-online-racist-abuse-against-reece-james-360251" hreflang="en">'Disgusted': Chelsea strongly condemns online racist abuse against Reece James</a>

West Bromwich Albion on Friday said that they contacted police and will be seeking the toughest possible punishment after midfielder Romaine Sawyers was racially abused on social media.

As per the statement released by the club, a racist message was sent to Saint Kitts and Nevis international during West Brom's 5-0 Premier League home defeat to Manchester City on Tuesday.

"Everyone at the club is appalled by the abhorrent message," it added.

"The club has a proud history of confronting all forms of discrimination and will assist the authorities with their inquiries, seeking the toughest available legal punishment, as well as a lifetime ban from The Hawthorns for the individual responsible.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ole-solskjaer-brands-racist-abuse-of-manchester-united-players-disgusting-360138" hreflang="en">Ole Solskjaer brands racist abuse of Manchester United players 'disgusting'</a>

The police released a statement after arresting the man. They said: "We've arrested a man on suspicion of racially abusing West Bromwich Albion player Romaine Sawyers online," West Midlands Police said on Twitter late on Friday.

"The 49-year-old man from Kingswinford was this evening taken into police custody for questioning.

"Our dedicated football hate crime officer is also investigating another report of a racist comment towards the same footballer. We will not tolerate racism."

This week, Chelsea's Reece James, and Man Utd's Axel Tuanzebe and Anthony Martial were also the victims of online racial abuse this week.

The British ministers met top English players on Monday to discuss online abuse and discrimination as part of a series of 'Future of Football' discussions.

A 49-year-old man has been arrested in suspicion of racially abusing West Brom midfielder Romaine Sawyers during club's 5-0 Premier League home defeat by Manchester City on Tuesday.

A 49-year-old man has been arrested in suspicion of racially abusing West Brom midfielder Romaine Sawyers during club's 5-0 Premier League home defeat by Manchester City on Tuesday. ALSO READ: 'Disgusted': Chelsea strongly condemns online racist abuse against Reece James West Bromwich Albion on Friday said that they contacted police and will be seeking the toughest possible punishment after midfielder Romaine Sawyers was racially abused on social media. As per the statement released by the club, a racist message was sent to Saint Kitts and Nevis international during West Brom's 5-0 Premier League home defeat to Manchester City on Tuesday. "Everyone at the club is appalled by the abhorrent message," it added. "The club has a proud history of confronting all forms of discrimination and will assist the authorities with their inquiries, seeking the toughest available legal punishment, as well as a lifetime ban from The Hawthorns for the individual responsible. ALSO READ: Ole Solskjaer brands racist abuse of Manchester United players 'disgusting' The police released a statement after arresting the man. They said: "We've arrested a man on suspicion of racially abusing West Bromwich Albion player Romaine Sawyers online," West Midlands Police said on Twitter late on Friday. "The 49-year-old man from Kingswinford was this evening taken into police custody for questioning. "Our dedicated football hate crime officer is also investigating another report of a racist comment towards the same footballer. We will not tolerate racism." This week, Chelsea's Reece James, and Man Utd's Axel Tuanzebe and Anthony Martial were also the victims of online racial abuse this week. The British ministers met top English players on Monday to discuss online abuse and discrimination as part of a series of 'Future of Football' discussions.

Police arrests 49-year-old on suspicion of racially abusing West Brom's player

West Bromwich Albion on Friday said that they contacted police and will be seeking the toughest possible punishment after midfielder Romaine Sawyers was racially abused on social media.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/jose-mourinho-comments-on-harry-kanes-ankle-injury-during-liverpool-game-360070" hreflang="en">Jose Mourinho comments on Harry Kane's ankle injury during Liverpool game</a>

As per the statement released by the club,&nbsp;a racist message was sent to Saint Kitts and Nevis international during West Brom's 5-0 Premier League home defeat to Manchester City on Tuesday.

"Everyone at the club is appalled by the abhorrent message," it added.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cristiano-ronaldo-under-investigation-for-breaking-covid-19-protocols-in-italy-359953" hreflang="en">Cristiano Ronaldo under investigation for breaking COVID-19 protocols in Italy</a>

"The club has a proud history of confronting all forms of discrimination and will assist the authorities with their inquiries, seeking the toughest available legal punishment, as well as a lifetime ban from The Hawthorns for the individual responsible.

"There is No Room for Racism. Anywhere. Challenge it, report it, change it."

(Inputs from Reuters)

West Bromwich Albion on Friday said that they contacted police and will be seeking the toughest possible punishment after midfielder Romaine Sawyers was racially abused on social media.

West Bromwich Albion on Friday said that they contacted police and will be seeking the toughest possible punishment after midfielder Romaine Sawyers was racially abused on social media. ALSO READ: Jose Mourinho comments on Harry Kane's ankle injury during Liverpool game As per the statement released by the club, a racist message was sent to Saint Kitts and Nevis international during West Brom's 5-0 Premier League home defeat to Manchester City on Tuesday. "Everyone at the club is appalled by the abhorrent message," it added. ALSO READ: Cristiano Ronaldo under investigation for breaking COVID-19 protocols in Italy "The club has a proud history of confronting all forms of discrimination and will assist the authorities with their inquiries, seeking the toughest available legal punishment, as well as a lifetime ban from The Hawthorns for the individual responsible. "There is No Room for Racism. Anywhere. Challenge it, report it, change it." (Inputs from Reuters)

West Bromwich Albion contact police after player subjected to online racism

West Brom head coach Slaven Bilic has been sacked after 18 month-tenure at the club. The English club is currently at 19th spot in the Premier League.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-mahomes-to-giannis-athletes-with-biggest-contracts-in-sporting-history-350214" hreflang="en">From Mahomes to Giannis: Athletes with biggest contracts in sporting history</a>

Bilic has had a terrible start to the season as the club just have seven points of 13 league games. They have lost eight games this season despite a surprise draw against Guardiola's Manchester City.&nbsp;

The 52-year-old replaced Darren Moore at West Brom in June 2019. He signed a two-year contract. Bilic helped Albion to promotion on the final day of last season, as they finished second in the Championship.

West Bromwich Albion have&nbsp;won just once in Premier League this season after beating the bottom club Sheffield United 1-0 on 28 November.

Talks of Bilic being sacked came after the draw at Manchester City.&nbsp;

Sam Allardyce, also known as Big Sam, is considered as one of the favourites to replace the Croatian.&nbsp;

The Croatian completed 100 Premier League games as a manager on Tuesday. Bilic led West Ham from June 2015 to November 2017, taking the club into a Europe as they finished seventh in his final full season, recording their highest placing since 2002.

Bilic led his country led West Ham from June 2015 to November 2017, taking the club into a Europe as they finished seventh in his final full season, recording their highest placing since 2002. He also managed clubs like Hajduk Split, Lokomotiv Moscow, Besiktas and Al-Ittihad.

West Brom head coach Slaven Bilic has been sacked after 18 month-tenure at the club. The English club is currently at 19th spot in the Premier League. Also read: From Mahomes to Giannis: Athletes with biggest contracts in sporting history Bilic has had a terrible start to the season as the club just have seven points of 13 league games.

West Brom head coach Slaven Bilic has been sacked after 18 month-tenure at the club. The English club is currently at 19th spot in the Premier League. Also read: From Mahomes to Giannis: Athletes with biggest contracts in sporting history Bilic has had a terrible start to the season as the club just have seven points of 13 league games. They have lost eight games this season despite a surprise draw against Guardiola's Manchester City. The 52-year-old replaced Darren Moore at West Brom in June 2019. He signed a two-year contract. Bilic helped Albion to promotion on the final day of last season, as they finished second in the Championship. West Bromwich Albion have won just once in Premier League this season after beating the bottom club Sheffield United 1-0 on 28 November. Talks of Bilic being sacked came after the draw at Manchester City. Sam Allardyce, also known as Big Sam, is considered as one of the favourites to replace the Croatian. The Croatian completed 100 Premier League games as a manager on Tuesday. Bilic led West Ham from June 2015 to November 2017, taking the club into a Europe as they finished seventh in his final full season, recording their highest placing since 2002. Bilic led his country led West Ham from June 2015 to November 2017, taking the club into a Europe as they finished seventh in his final full season, recording their highest placing since 2002. He also managed clubs like Hajduk Split, Lokomotiv Moscow, Besiktas and Al-Ittihad.

West Brom manager Slaven Bilic sacked after poor start in Premier League

The odds against Southampton avoiding relegation from the Premier League tumbled dramatically with Everton's last-gasp equaliser on Saturday but manager Mark Hughes remained defiant.

The Saints had drifted out to 3/1 with bookmaker William Hill when they seemed to be moving above four other teams at the bottom, as well as ensuring that West Bromwich Albion went down with Stoke City.

Now they face a crucial game on Tuesday away to Swansea City, who are only below them on goal difference, and the odds are just 7/4.

Hughes's team are two points behind Huddersfield Town, who have an away game against champions Manchester City on Sunday, and five points behind West Ham United, who should be safe after winning at Leicester City.

Hughes said that the draw Everton achieved with a goal in the fifth minute of added time felt like a defeat.

"We clearly haven't got what we deserved today," he told.

"I'm really upset with the officials. The referee has made a decision to give the free-kick in the corner. He allows it to be taken from a false position, then we're on the back foot, and we're down to 10 men too because of a decision he made.

"We have got something out of the game though and we are out of the bottom three. We have a massive game coming up against Swansea and that will probably determine who stays up and who goes down."

Hughes said that the draw Everton achieved with a goal in the fifth minute of added time felt like a defeat

The odds against Southampton avoiding relegation from the Premier League tumbled dramatically with Everton's last-gasp equaliser on Saturday but manager Mark Hughes remained defiant. The Saints had drifted out to 3/1 with bookmaker William Hill when they seemed to be moving above four other teams at the bottom, as well as ensuring that West Bromwich Albion went down with Stoke City. Now they face a crucial game on Tuesday away to Swansea City, who are only below them on goal difference, and the odds are just 7/4. Hughes's team are two points behind Huddersfield Town, who have an away game against champions Manchester City on Sunday, and five points behind West Ham United, who should be safe after winning at Leicester City. Hughes said that the draw Everton achieved with a goal in the fifth minute of added time felt like a defeat. "We clearly haven't got what we deserved today," he told. "I'm really upset with the officials. The referee has made a decision to give the free-kick in the corner. He allows it to be taken from a false position, then we're on the back foot, and we're down to 10 men too because of a decision he made. "We have got something out of the game though and we are out of the bottom three. We have a massive game coming up against Swansea and that will probably determine who stays up and who goes down."

Mark Hughes defiant as Southampton take late blow

Salomon Rondon completed a remarkable West Bromwich Albion comeback from two goals down against Liverpool although the hard-won point from a 2-2 draw at the Hawthorns on Saturday will probably only delay their relegation.

The visitors appeared to have half an eye on Tuesday's Champions League semi-final against AS Roma but still established a comfortable lead through Danny Ings and Mo Salah.

Ings's goal after just four minutes was his first in the Premier League since October 2015. The striker should have had a second soon afterwards and probably been awarded a penalty after being bundled over by Craig Dawson.

With Salah notching up his 31st of the season to equal Luis Suarez's club record for goals in a season, Liverpool appeared to have done enough to take the points.

Albion's caretaker manager Darren Moore has, however, injected resilience into his side and, with Liverpool's defence suddenly displaying their early-season sloppiness, Jake Livermore scrambled a goal from a corner after 79 minutes to give Albion hope.

The equaliser followed another set-piece late on when Chris Brunt delivered a perfect freekick into the area for Rondon to head home.

Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp, who had rested five players going into the game, complained that the pitch was too dry. "It makes a massive difference," said a visibly downbeat Klopp, whose team are still not guaranteed a top-four finish.

Klopp complained they did not get the "right decisions" on the penalty and the foul from Joe Gomez that led to Rondon's goal.

Albion's Livermore accepted that relegation remained almost inevitable with the bottom-of-the-table team eight points off survival with three games to play. "All we can do is keep fighting," he said.

His teammate Ahmed Hegazi may face retrospective action from the FA after television cameras clearly caught him punching Ings after a tackle.

Salomon Rondon completed a remarkable West Bromwich Albion comeback from two goals down against Liverpool

Salomon Rondon completed a remarkable West Bromwich Albion comeback from two goals down against Liverpool although the hard-won point from a 2-2 draw at the Hawthorns on Saturday will probably only delay their relegation. The visitors appeared to have half an eye on Tuesday's Champions League semi-final against AS Roma but still established a comfortable lead through Danny Ings and Mo Salah. Ings's goal after just four minutes was his first in the Premier League since October 2015. The striker should have had a second soon afterwards and probably been awarded a penalty after being bundled over by Craig Dawson. With Salah notching up his 31st of the season to equal Luis Suarez's club record for goals in a season, Liverpool appeared to have done enough to take the points. Albion's caretaker manager Darren Moore has, however, injected resilience into his side and, with Liverpool's defence suddenly displaying their early-season sloppiness, Jake Livermore scrambled a goal from a corner after 79 minutes to give Albion hope. The equaliser followed another set-piece late on when Chris Brunt delivered a perfect freekick into the area for Rondon to head home. Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp, who had rested five players going into the game, complained that the pitch was too dry. "It makes a massive difference," said a visibly downbeat Klopp, whose team are still not guaranteed a top-four finish. Klopp complained they did not get the "right decisions" on the penalty and the foul from Joe Gomez that led to Rondon's goal. Albion's Livermore accepted that relegation remained almost inevitable with the bottom-of-the-table team eight points off survival with three games to play. "All we can do is keep fighting," he said. His teammate Ahmed Hegazi may face retrospective action from the FA after television cameras clearly caught him punching Ings after a tackle.

Salomon Rondon's 88th-minute goal helps West Brom to draw against Liverpool

Manchester&nbsp;City&nbsp;were confirmed as Premier League champions on Sunday as second-placed&nbsp;Manchester&nbsp;United suffered a shock 1-0 home defeat by bottom club West Bromwich Albion.

United had to at least draw to keep the title race mathematically alive but were stunned at Old Trafford when Jay Rodriguez headed home after the break.

City&nbsp;manager Pep Guardiola might have missed the moment that his first English title was sealed, however, after admitting on Saturday he had a round of golf booked with his son.

He would have been as surprised as everyone else that the title, seemingly a foregone conclusion for months, was rubber-stamped in such strange circumstances.

A week after&nbsp;City&nbsp;surrendered a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 to United and squander the chance to wrap up the title in perfect style against their arch-rivals, it was relegation-bound West Brom who served it up on a plate.

West Brom had lost eight of their previous nine games and last won on Jan. 13.

City, who rebounded from the United loss and a European exit at the hands of Liverpool by beating Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, have 87 points with five games left.

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Our Time. Our City. 
 
Premier League Champions 17/18 ?<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/mancity?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#mancity</a> <a href="https://t.co/lztlN3lWFW">pic.twitter.com/lztlN3lWFW</a>
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United have 71 also with five to play.

It is Abu Dhabi-owned&nbsp;City's third title in seven seasons and their first since former boss Manuel Pellegrini achieved the feat in 2013-14.

Guardiola has won the League Cup already for&nbsp;City&nbsp;this season but a first Premier League title, to go with the three La Liga titles he won as manager of Barcelona and the three Bundesliga titles he delivered for Bayern Munich, will be particularly satisfying for the Spaniard.

"You cannot imagine," Guardiola said on Saturday. "It would be one of the best three seasons I have ever had as a player and as a manager. The amount of goals, chances and points, to do that in the Premier League, with the contenders we have, is because the players are so good."

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Manchester City were confirmed as Premier League champions

Manchester City were confirmed as Premier League champions on Sunday as second-placed Manchester United suffered a shock 1-0 home defeat by bottom club West Bromwich Albion. United had to at least draw to keep the title race mathematically alive but were stunned at Old Trafford when Jay Rodriguez headed home after the break. City manager Pep Guardiola might have missed the moment that his first English title was sealed, however, after admitting on Saturday he had a round of golf booked with his son. He would have been as surprised as everyone else that the title, seemingly a foregone conclusion for months, was rubber-stamped in such strange circumstances. A week after City surrendered a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 to United and squander the chance to wrap up the title in perfect style against their arch-rivals, it was relegation-bound West Brom who served it up on a plate. West Brom had lost eight of their previous nine games and last won on Jan. 13. City, who rebounded from the United loss and a European exit at the hands of Liverpool by beating Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, have 87 points with five games left. Our Time. Our City. Premier League Champions 17/18 ?#mancity pic.twitter.com/lztlN3lWFW — Manchester City (@ManCity) April 15, 2018 × United have 71 also with five to play. It is Abu Dhabi-owned City's third title in seven seasons and their first since former boss Manuel Pellegrini achieved the feat in 2013-14. Guardiola has won the League Cup already for City this season but a first Premier League title, to go with the three La Liga titles he won as manager of Barcelona and the three Bundesliga titles he delivered for Bayern Munich, will be particularly satisfying for the Spaniard. "You cannot imagine," Guardiola said on Saturday. "It would be one of the best three seasons I have ever had as a player and as a manager. The amount of goals, chances and points, to do that in the Premier League, with the contenders we have, is because the players are so good." https://t.co/NkjdwM1YR8 — Manchester City (@ManCity) April 15, 2018 ×

Manchester City win Premier League after United lose to bottom-placed West Brom

Romelu Lukaku extended his impressive FA Cup scoring record by netting twice in Manchester United&#39;s 2-0 win at Huddersfield Town to earn Jose Mourinho&#39;s side a quarter-final tie at home to Brighton &amp; Hove Albion.

The Belgian has scored in each of the three rounds United have played of this year&#39;s competition and now has 11 goals from his past 10 FA Cup appearances and 21 in all competitions this season.

Lukaku&#39;s first came after three minutes, and the striker scored again in the second half after United mounted a quick counter-attack against a side who beat them at the John Smith&#39;s Stadium in the Premier League last October.

Saturday&#39;s fifth-round late kickoff also featured English football&#39;s latest video-assisted referee (VAR) decision when United&#39;s Juan Mata had a goal disallowed after being ruled fractionally offside before the interval.

&quot;Yes, the decision went in our favour but this VAR for me kills the emotion of the game,&quot; said Huddersfield manager David Wagner. &quot;This is why I don&#39;t like it but I am not the person who makes the decision.&quot;

United&#39;s midfielder Paul Pogba missed the game due to illness.

West Bromwich Albion&#39;s tumultuous week took a final turn for the worse as they were knocked out by Southampton, whose 2-1 victory at the Hawthorns secured the visitors a quarter-final berth for the first time since 2005.

Defeat always seemed likely for West Brom, who are bottom of the Premier League and sacked their chairman and chief-executive on Tuesday.

They then had four senior players interviewed by Spanish police over the alleged theft of a taxi from outside a fast-food restaurant in Barcelona.

Two of those involved in the incident, Jonny Evans and Gareth Barry, both started against Southampton after issuing a public apology, although Evans was stripped of the captaincy by Albion manager Alan Pardew.

&quot;I felt I needed to make a little bit of a statement about the events,&quot; Pardew said. &quot;I was far from happy over them.&quot;

Evans could do nothing to stop Southampton taking the lead through Wesley Hoedt on 11 minutes, with Dusan Tadic adding the second after the interval.

Salomon Rondon quickly countered for West Brom but Southampton held on to record their second win at Albion in two weeks and earn a quarter-final at either Wigan Athletic or Manchester City, who play on Monday.

Debut goals end Coventry dream

Brighton&#39;s Jurgen Locadia scored on his debut in the 3-1 win over Coventry City who, after knocking out Stoke City in the third round, failed in their attempt to make FA Cup history by becoming the first fourth-tier side to beat two top-flight teams in the same season.

There was never much chance of that with Brighton&#39;s record signing Locadia scoring with his first shot on target after 15 minutes and Leicester City loanee Leonardo Ulloa, who is in his second spell with the Seagulls, rounding off the win after Connor Goldson netted his first goal in almost two years. Jonson Clarke-Harris scored Coventry&#39;s consolation.

The last time Brighton were a top-flight team they reached the FA Cup final in 1983, when they lost to Manchester United, their opponents in next month&#39;s quarter-final.

At Hillsborough, both managers bemoaned the replay after second-tier Sheffield Wednesday and Swansea City shared a goalless draw, with Swansea&#39;s Carlos Carvalhal suggesting everyone would have been happy to play on to penalties.

&quot;It&#39;s a score nobody wants. I also believe (that&#39;s the case) for Sheffield Wednesday - the same one more game. Maybe in the future we can think that if the managers and referee agree after the first game we can go to penalties and we can finish the game today,&quot; said Carvalhal who was given a warm reception on his return to the club he managed for two and a half years.

The replay is Swansea&#39;s third in succession as they continue to juggle cup commitments with a Premier League survival battle that has become more difficult after impressive defender Alfie Mawson injured himself before kickoff and was subsequently seen wearing a knee brace.

The winner of the replay will host Rochdale or Tottenham Hotspur, who play on Sunday.

Leicester City will be home to Chelsea in the remaining quarter-final. All games will be played between March 16 and 19.

West Bromwich Albion's tumultuous week took a final turn for the worse as they were knocked out by Southampton

Romelu Lukaku extended his impressive FA Cup scoring record by netting twice in Manchester United's 2-0 win at Huddersfield Town to earn Jose Mourinho's side a quarter-final tie at home to Brighton & Hove Albion. The Belgian has scored in each of the three rounds United have played of this year's competition and now has 11 goals from his past 10 FA Cup appearances and 21 in all competitions this season. Lukaku's first came after three minutes, and the striker scored again in the second half after United mounted a quick counter-attack against a side who beat them at the John Smith's Stadium in the Premier League last October. Saturday's fifth-round late kickoff also featured English football's latest video-assisted referee (VAR) decision when United's Juan Mata had a goal disallowed after being ruled fractionally offside before the interval. "Yes, the decision went in our favour but this VAR for me kills the emotion of the game," said Huddersfield manager David Wagner. "This is why I don't like it but I am not the person who makes the decision." United's midfielder Paul Pogba missed the game due to illness. West Bromwich Albion's tumultuous week took a final turn for the worse as they were knocked out by Southampton, whose 2-1 victory at the Hawthorns secured the visitors a quarter-final berth for the first time since 2005. Defeat always seemed likely for West Brom, who are bottom of the Premier League and sacked their chairman and chief-executive on Tuesday. They then had four senior players interviewed by Spanish police over the alleged theft of a taxi from outside a fast-food restaurant in Barcelona. Two of those involved in the incident, Jonny Evans and Gareth Barry, both started against Southampton after issuing a public apology, although Evans was stripped of the captaincy by Albion manager Alan Pardew. "I felt I needed to make a little bit of a statement about the events," Pardew said. "I was far from happy over them." Evans could do nothing to stop Southampton taking the lead through Wesley Hoedt on 11 minutes, with Dusan Tadic adding the second after the interval. Salomon Rondon quickly countered for West Brom but Southampton held on to record their second win at Albion in two weeks and earn a quarter-final at either Wigan Athletic or Manchester City, who play on Monday. Debut goals end Coventry dream Brighton's Jurgen Locadia scored on his debut in the 3-1 win over Coventry City who, after knocking out Stoke City in the third round, failed in their attempt to make FA Cup history by becoming the first fourth-tier side to beat two top-flight teams in the same season. There was never much chance of that with Brighton's record signing Locadia scoring with his first shot on target after 15 minutes and Leicester City loanee Leonardo Ulloa, who is in his second spell with the Seagulls, rounding off the win after Connor Goldson netted his first goal in almost two years. Jonson Clarke-Harris scored Coventry's consolation. The last time Brighton were a top-flight team they reached the FA Cup final in 1983, when they lost to Manchester United, their opponents in next month's quarter-final. At Hillsborough, both managers bemoaned the replay after second-tier Sheffield Wednesday and Swansea City shared a goalless draw, with Swansea's Carlos Carvalhal suggesting everyone would have been happy to play on to penalties. "It's a score nobody wants. I also believe (that's the case) for Sheffield Wednesday - the same one more game. Maybe in the future we can think that if the managers and referee agree after the first game we can go to penalties and we can finish the game today," said Carvalhal who was given a warm reception on his return to the club he managed for two and a half years. The replay is Swansea's third in succession as they continue to juggle cup commitments with a Premier League survival battle that has become more difficult after impressive defender Alfie Mawson injured himself before kickoff and was subsequently seen wearing a knee brace. The winner of the replay will host Rochdale or Tottenham Hotspur, who play on Sunday. Leicester City will be home to Chelsea in the remaining quarter-final. All games will be played between March 16 and 19.

Lukaku double sends Man United into FA Cup quarter-finals

Manchester United survived a tense finale to beat West Bromwich Albion 2-1 at the Hawthorns on Sunday and close to within 11 points of Premier League leaders Manchester City.

United&#39;s former West Brom striker Romelu Lukaku scored his 15th goal of the season in the 27th minute by heading home Marcus Rashford&rsquo;s left-wing cross.

Midfielder Jesse Lingard doubled the lead with a deflected shot from the edge of the penalty area eight minutes later.

United appeared to be on course for a comfortable win, but West Brom set up a nervous finish for Jose Mourinho&rsquo;s side when substitute Gareth Barry poked home from close range following a corner in the 77th minute.

United hung on, however, to restore their three-point advantage over third-placed Chelsea. West Brom have now gone 16 league matches without a win and remained second bottom, two points from safety.

&quot;I think we deserved the win,&quot; Mourinho told Sky Sports. &quot;We were the best team. We controlled the game for a long, long time.&quot;

United spurned opportunities to kill the game off when Rashford slashed a right-footed shot wide in the 57th minute and Lingard fired straight at West Brom goalkeeper Ben Foster.

They then switched off at a set-piece to allow Barry to score and were lucky not to concede an equaliser when Jay Rodriguez headed wide from point-blank range with five minutes remaining.

&quot;We had a few chances to kill the game but I knew they would react,&quot; Mourinho added. &quot;The intensity in the first half maybe we didn&#39;t have in the second half.&quot;

West Brom manager Alan Pardew, who was appointed last month after Tony Pulis was sacked, made one change to the side who drew 0-0 against Liverpool on Wednesday.

&quot;The team I picked, in hindsight, was not the right team,&quot; Pardew said. &quot;I should have put some fresh legs in there, but they did so well at Liverpool that, I&rsquo;m a new manager, I wanted to show some faith in those players.

&quot;But I should have maybe made two or three changes. We looked leggy.&quot;

Manchester United, West Bromwich Albion, Premier League, Romelu Lukaku, Marcus Rashford

Manchester United survived a tense finale to beat West Bromwich Albion 2-1 at the Hawthorns on Sunday and close to within 11 points of Premier League leaders Manchester City. United's former West Brom striker Romelu Lukaku scored his 15th goal of the season in the 27th minute by heading home Marcus Rashford’s left-wing cross. Midfielder Jesse Lingard doubled the lead with a deflected shot from the edge of the penalty area eight minutes later. United appeared to be on course for a comfortable win, but West Brom set up a nervous finish for Jose Mourinho’s side when substitute Gareth Barry poked home from close range following a corner in the 77th minute. United hung on, however, to restore their three-point advantage over third-placed Chelsea. West Brom have now gone 16 league matches without a win and remained second bottom, two points from safety. "I think we deserved the win," Mourinho told Sky Sports. "We were the best team. We controlled the game for a long, long time." United spurned opportunities to kill the game off when Rashford slashed a right-footed shot wide in the 57th minute and Lingard fired straight at West Brom goalkeeper Ben Foster. They then switched off at a set-piece to allow Barry to score and were lucky not to concede an equaliser when Jay Rodriguez headed wide from point-blank range with five minutes remaining. "We had a few chances to kill the game but I knew they would react," Mourinho added. "The intensity in the first half maybe we didn't have in the second half." West Brom manager Alan Pardew, who was appointed last month after Tony Pulis was sacked, made one change to the side who drew 0-0 against Liverpool on Wednesday. "The team I picked, in hindsight, was not the right team," Pardew said. "I should have put some fresh legs in there, but they did so well at Liverpool that, I’m a new manager, I wanted to show some faith in those players. "But I should have maybe made two or three changes. We looked leggy."

Football: Lukaku, Lingard lift nervy Man United past West Brom

A crackdown on behaviour will kick in when the new English season starts with referees instructed to show yellow and red cards to unruly players, the Premier League said on Wednesday. 
 
The unedifying sight of snarling players berating officials over decisions or hurling abuse has been the scourge of the game and the Premier League, English Football League and Football Association have all clearly had enough. 
 
In a joint directive the three organisations said disrespect towards match officials had to stop. 
 
&quot;We and our clubs have been discussing for some time concerns that certain elements of player behaviour are overstepping the mark -- the mass confrontations, overt displays of dissent and offensive language,&quot; Richard Scudamore, the Premier League&#39;s executive chairman, said on Wednesday. 
 
&quot;We are viewed by millions week in week out -- including lots of young people -- and it is our collective position that these types of behaviour should no longer be tolerated,&quot;&nbsp; 
 
Vigorous discipline clamp down&nbsp; 
 
From the start of this season, players who use offensive language towards officials will be punished with a red card, while aggressive physical contact will also earn an instant sending off. 
 
More yellow cards are likely as referees have been told to book all players who run to officials, stand face to face with them or aggressively invade their personal space. 
 
If a referee is surrounded by multiple players, he is mandated to book at least one of the offenders, and Premier League executive chairman Richard Scudamore insisted there will be no softening of the approach if it leads to a flurry of dismissals early in the season.&nbsp; 
 
The behaviour of coaches and technical staff will also be more strictly controlled. 
 
Repeat offenders 
 
Football League chief executive Richard Harvey said the new directives were not just an idle threat. 
 
&quot;To be clear, this is a set of instructions from the football authorities to referees to take action against certain behaviour that we will not tolerate in our matches,&quot; he said. 
 
Incidents which underlined the need for a new hardline approach include Leicester striker Jamie Vardy abusing referee Jonathan Moss after being controversially sent off for diving against West Ham in April and the series of brawls that marred Tottenhams crucial draw at Chelsea and led to big fines for both clubs. 
 
&quot;That (Chelsea game) wasnt a trigger for this but it underscored a good reason why we needed to get a move on. We are saying this behavioural stuff, which is pretty black and white, isnt acceptable, &#39;&#39; FA chief executive Martin Glenn said.&nbsp; 
 
In the Premier League West Bromwich Albion were the worst offenders last season with 11 yellow cards shown for dissent, according to a survey in the Guardian. 
 
The Premier League will for the first time meet all clubs prior to the season in a bid to ensure the plan is understood and Championship clubs have contributed to a fund that will pay for full-time referees in the second tier. 
 
The Football League season kicks off on Aug. 5 with the Premier League starting a week later. 
 
(AFP, Reuters) 
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The Football Association, the Premier League and the Football League join forces to stamp out aggressive posturing in Premier League

A crackdown on behaviour will kick in when the new English season starts with referees instructed to show yellow and red cards to unruly players, the Premier League said on Wednesday. The unedifying sight of snarling players berating officials over decisions or hurling abuse has been the scourge of the game and the Premier League, English Football League and Football Association have all clearly had enough. In a joint directive the three organisations said disrespect towards match officials had to stop. "We and our clubs have been discussing for some time concerns that certain elements of player behaviour are overstepping the mark -- the mass confrontations, overt displays of dissent and offensive language," Richard Scudamore, the Premier League's executive chairman, said on Wednesday. "We are viewed by millions week in week out -- including lots of young people -- and it is our collective position that these types of behaviour should no longer be tolerated," Vigorous discipline clamp down From the start of this season, players who use offensive language towards officials will be punished with a red card, while aggressive physical contact will also earn an instant sending off. More yellow cards are likely as referees have been told to book all players who run to officials, stand face to face with them or aggressively invade their personal space. If a referee is surrounded by multiple players, he is mandated to book at least one of the offenders, and Premier League executive chairman Richard Scudamore insisted there will be no softening of the approach if it leads to a flurry of dismissals early in the season. The behaviour of coaches and technical staff will also be more strictly controlled. Repeat offenders Football League chief executive Richard Harvey said the new directives were not just an idle threat. "To be clear, this is a set of instructions from the football authorities to referees to take action against certain behaviour that we will not tolerate in our matches," he said. Incidents which underlined the need for a new hardline approach include Leicester striker Jamie Vardy abusing referee Jonathan Moss after being controversially sent off for diving against West Ham in April and the series of brawls that marred Tottenhams crucial draw at Chelsea and led to big fines for both clubs. "That (Chelsea game) wasnt a trigger for this but it underscored a good reason why we needed to get a move on. We are saying this behavioural stuff, which is pretty black and white, isnt acceptable, '' FA chief executive Martin Glenn said. In the Premier League West Bromwich Albion were the worst offenders last season with 11 yellow cards shown for dissent, according to a survey in the Guardian. The Premier League will for the first time meet all clubs prior to the season in a bid to ensure the plan is understood and Championship clubs have contributed to a fund that will pay for full-time referees in the second tier. The Football League season kicks off on Aug. 5 with the Premier League starting a week later. (AFP, Reuters)

Football governing bodies warn unruly Premier League stars

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