Premier League outfit Stoke City have become the first side to be relegated from the Premier League this season.
Paul Lambert’s side ended their 10-season stay in the English top flight following a 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace.
Netherlands international Patrick van Aanholt sealed their fate as the Eagles came from behind to win at the bet365 Stadium.
Xherdan Shaqiri had put Stoke ahead having curled in a first-half free-kick but James McArthur set up the comeback with a fine counter-attack goal.
The Potters gained promotion for the first time in 2008 after finishing runners-up to West Brom in the Championship. And have since stayed in the Premier League after finishing 14th, 12th, 11th, three 13th’s, and a trio of ninth-placed finishes during their stay.
“It’s difficult obviously but it’s not one just about game. It’s over a season and we’ve not been good enough all season,” captain Ryan Shawcross told Sky Sports.
“Ultimately it’s down to the players: we’ve not been good enough. The fans have been brilliant today, a tough result and they’re still cheering us. “Since the gaffer has come in we’ve had a right go and been in every game. But for whatever reason, we’ve not got the goals we needed and that cost us.
“The club has decisions to make and it would be brilliant if we can keep our best players.”
Match-winner van Aanholt apologized for scoring on Twitter: “Normally I like to celebrate when I score but I’d like to apologise to Stoke City and their fans, I wish my goal didn’t relegate you, but you’ll be back soon! Great club with great fans.”
The result means Roy Hodgson’s side are safe and are therefore the first top-flight team since Liverpool in the 1899-1900 season to avoid relegation despite losing their first seven matches of the season.
West Brom survived another scare as they continue their quest for survival in the Premier League after shocking Tottenham by a 1-0 at the Hawthorns. Two teams between West Brom, Huddersfield, Southampton and Swansea will join Stoke City in the Championship next season in the coming weeks.
The Saints have a date Everton at Goodison side while Swansea were beaten by Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium by a lone goal. Last season, Hull City, Middlesbrough and Sunderland were the teams that got relegated into the Championship.
