Liverpool stunned by Fulham, Southampton relegated

MANCHESTER, England (AP):

Liverpool had a shock defeat on their march to the Premier League title — losing 3-2 at Fulham yesterday.

At the other end of the standings, Southampton became the first team to be relegated from England’s top flight this season after a 3-1 loss to Tottenham.

Manchester United and Manchester City played out a dismal 0-0 draw at Old Trafford.

Liverpool’s loss meant they missed the chance to move 14 points clear of second-placed Arsenal and a step closer to a record-equalling 20th English league title. A stunning first half from Fulham at Craven Cottage resulted in Arne Slot’s Liverpool line-up losing for only the second time in the league this season.

“A very poor first half in terms of the goals we conceded. It was so unnecessary, and then you’re fighting a very tough battle,” Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk said. “We tried everything in the second half, but when you ship three goals in the first half it’s very difficult.”

Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Everton on Saturday had given Liverpool an unexpected boost in the race for the title, but despite going ahead through Alexis Mac Allister’s goal in the 14th minute, the visitors were 3-1 down at half-time.

Ryan Sessegnon, Alex Iwobi and Rodrigo Muniz all found the back of the net in a thrilling 14-minute spell. Luis Diaz got Liverpool’s second after the break.

Liverpool remain 11 points ahead of Arsenal and on course to win the title with seven games remaining.

DISAPPOINTING DERBY

Manchester was once considered the capital of English football. Not any more.

A miserable Manchester derby ended goalless at Old Trafford in a game that lacked intensity and entertainment.

In a game of few clear chances, City’s Omar Marmoush and United’s Joshua Zirkzee went closest to scoring.

“I understand that ... we are doing the worst season in (United’s) history. Manchester City won everything in the past, [but] this season are struggling. We are not in the best moments to give the best spectacle to every fan,” United head coach Ruben Amorim said. “When we are not fighting for the big things, of course it’s different.”

SOUTHAMPTON RELEGATED

With just 10 points from 31 games, last-placed Southampton’s fate was sealed with a defeat at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Their relegation is the fourth-earliest in the Premier League era, according to the league’s statistician Opta.

Derby’s drop on March 29 in 2008 is still the earliest relegation since the league began in 1992. Huddersfield and Fulham had earlier relegations than Southampton, who are now joint with Leicester in 2002.

Two first-half goals from Brennan Johnson put Southampton on course for a 25th league defeat of the season. Mateus Fernandes pulled one back late on for the visitors before Mathys Tel struck a third for Spurs from the penalty spot in added time.

Chelsea remain in fourth after a 0-0 draw at Brentford.