Former European champions, Aston Villa, had their fate sealed – suffering relegation from the Barclays Premier League after suffering a ninth straight defeat, on a day north-east rivals, Sunderland and Newcastle United, both won to boost their battle against the drop.
Villa, who had not been relegated since the Premier League began in 1992, had their fate finally confirmed when they lost 1-0 at Manchester United where teenager Marcus Rashford scored the only goal in the first half.
Sunderland improved their chances of staying up by beating Norwich City 3-0 at Carrow Road, while Newcastle fuelled their survival hopes with a 3-0 win over Swansea City at St James’ Park.
With the top three – Leicester City, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal – not playing, all the attention was focused on the bottom of the table where Norwich remain in 17th place on 31 points, nervously looking over their shoulders.
The Black Cats’ victory moved them on to 30 points, one point behind Norwich with a game in hand, while Newcastle also closed the gap, moving on to 28 points. They have also played a game fewer than Alex Neil’s side.
Villa, who have only won three of their 34 league matches, have 16 points and have long seemed condemned to finishing bottom and falling out of the top flight for the first time since 1988.
“It’s about results, so regardless of how we played in patches today we are relegated,” Villa defender, Joleon Lescott, said after the game.
“Now it [relegation] is confirmed maybe it’s a weight off the shoulders and we can give these fans what they deserve; some performances.
“We knew before the game what we had to do but coming to Old Trafford is never easy, no matter what situation you’re in. Throughout the game we showed a level of pride that there’s probably not been enough of throughout the season.
“Throughout the season we have given reasons for people to jump on us. It’s part of football, we have to take that on the chin. It’s a tough time at the minute. At the back of our minds is next season – to get promoted. I’m here for as long as Aston Villa want me.”
Villa will play for pride next Saturday when Southampton come visiting.
