Manchester City won a fourth successive Premier League title by beating Fulham 4-0 on Saturday, while Burnley were relegated from the top flight after a 2-1 defeat to Tottenham.
Luton is also practically down. A 3-1 defeat to West Ham left them three points adrift of safety and with a goal difference 12 worse than Nottingham Forest with just one game remaining.
There was no turnaround in the title race at Craven Cottage as defender Josko Gvardiol continued his fine run in front of goal.
The Croatian calmed City’s nerves by shooting with his weaker right foot in the 13th minute.
Pep Guardiola’s men were dominant but had to wait until the hour mark to secure the points when Phil Foden scored his 25th goal of the season.
Gvardiol then turned in Bernardo Silva’s cross at the far post to score his fifth City goal, all scored in the last seven games.
Signed for £77 million ($96 million) from RB Leipzig last summer, Gvardiol could have become the first defender in Premier League history to score a hat-trick when City were awarded a penalty in stoppage time.
However, he turned down the chance to take advantage, allowing Julian Alvarez to close the scoring.
The victory gives City two points clear at the top of the table and increases the pressure on second-placed Arsenal ahead of their visit to Manchester United on Sunday.
If the Gunners fail to win, City could secure the title when they travel to Tottenham on Tuesday.
“My players like to play under pressure, they are used to it. The players like that feeling,” said Guardiola.
“The fate (of the title) is in our hands.”
– Crescent Gulf –
Spurs kept alive their chance of reaching the Champions League next season, coming from behind to send Burnley into the Championship.
Jacob Bruun Larsen gave the Clarets a shock lead after Sander Berge’s pass opened up the Tottenham defense.
Spurs had lost their last four matches, but turned the game around and moved within four points of fourth-placed Aston Villa.
Pedro Porro equalized very high, passing Arijanet Muric.
Micky Van de Ven then scored the winning goal to at least ensure Spurs will be in Europe next season.
“Today the Premier League is over, but tomorrow we start day one doing everything we can to get back into the Premier League,” said Burnley manager Vincent Kompany.
Luton will also be back in the Championship next season after blowing a 1-0 lead and losing to West Ham in David Moyes’ final home game in charge of the Hammers.
Albert Sambi Lokonga’s early header gave the visitors hope of a great escape.
But second-half goals from James Ward-Prowse, Tomas Soucek and George Earthy all but ended Luton’s stay in the Premier League after a remarkable rise through the leagues to return to the top flight for the first time in 32 years.
“These players and fans have given me the best 18 months of my life,” said Luton manager Rob Edwards, who burst into tears after the game ended.
“It’s a big excuse, but a huge thank you.”
With Luton set to join Burnley and Sheffield United in the fall, all three promoted clubs will be relegated to leave themselves exposed to the growing gulf between the top two divisions.
Forest missed the chance to mathematically confirm Luton’s relegation by squandering a late lead and losing 3-2 to Chelsea.
Mykhailo Mudryk’s opening goal for Chelsea was quickly canceled out by Willy Boly’s header.
Callum Hudson-Odoi then looked to have sealed Forest’s survival against his former club when his fierce finish found the far corner 16 minutes from time.
But two goals in two minutes from Raheem Sterling and Nicolas Jackson boosted Chelsea’s form heading into Europe next season.
Mauricio Pochettino’s men are level on points with sixth-placed Newcastle, who drew 1-1 at home to Brighton.
Crystal Palace’s excellent form since Oliver Glasner’s arrival as manager continued with a 3-1 victory over Wolves.
Michael Olise, Jean-Philippe Mateta and Eberechi Eze scored for the Eagles, who move up to 12th.
Abdoulaye Doucoure scored the only goal as Everton beat Sheffield United 1-0.
Yoane Wissa scored the winning goal for Brentford in the 95th minute to secure a 2-1 victory at Bournemouth.
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