Norwich City have been relegated from the Premier League following their 2-0 loss to Aston Villa.
The Canaries needed to pick up at least a point to cling on to their Premier League status for another week, and hope Burnley’s revival did not continue when they travelled to fellow strugglers Watford.
But Dean Smith’s men fell to defeat against his former side which coupled with Burnley’s 2-1 win over Watford meant Norwich have now dropped down into the Championship.
Smith’s return to Villa Park for the first time since his dismissal in November did not get off to a solid start as Leon Bailey saw a shot pushed onto the crossbar by Norwich goalkeeper Tim Krul.
Villa took the lead through Ollie Watkins five minutes before the break, with substitute Danny Ings also on the scoresheet during added time to inflict a first relegation on their former boss, who had taken over at Carrow Road from Daniel Farke.
The Hornets took an early lead through an own goal from Burnley captain James Tarkowski after the ball bounced off the crossbar and onto his back in the eighth minute.
Burnley were given a penalty for a foul on Dwight McNeil by Moussa Sissoko, but the decision was overturned by VAR, with a free-kick awarded on the edge of the area instead.
Ashley Barnes’ header struck the crossbar before the Clarets were level when Jack Cork nodded in with eight minutes left.
There was, though, still time for Josh Brownhill to strike a late winner from 20 yards, which confirmed Norwich’s relegation and also left Watford on the brink.
Sean Dyche’s dismissal at such a late stage in the season was heavily scrutinised but the Clarets continue their revival under interim boss Mike Jackson.
Burnley are now five points from safety as they leapfrogged Leeds United in the table who take on reigning champions Manchester City on Saturday evening at Elland Road.
Source: Mirror
