Fulham have been relegated from the Premier League after they were beaten 2-0 by Burnley at Craven Cottage on Monday night.
Scott Parker’s side went into the game in 18th-place, nine points adrift of their opponents and of safety, and while a draw would have been enough to stave off relegation for the time being, it was effectively a must-win affair for a team already relying on a miraculous escape.
However, goals from Ashley Westwood and the in-form Chris Wood secured the Clarets’ Premier League status and confirmed an immediate return to the Championship for the west Londoners, with three games of the campaign still to play.
It is the second time in a row that Fulham have seen their stay in the top flight last just a single season. Parker initially took charge on a temporary basis during their 2018/19 campaign, with the club already near-doomed to the drop, but led them back into the top flight at the first time of asking with victory in last season’s Championship playoff final.
After losing their first four games of the season, it was clear the Cottagers would be up against it to stay in the division, but an upturn in form in February sparked new life into their survival bid. Parker’s men went on a run of three wins and three draws from seven games, including a landmark victory over Liverpool at Anfield.
However, they have taken just one point from seven games since, and won just five games all season in total.
