West Brom Return To Championship League

LONDON: West Bromwich Albion had to forget about next season’s Premier League rivals after losing 3-1 to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

West Brom are the second team to confirm relegation this season after Sheffield United.

West Brom’s hopes of continuing to compete in the Premier League were dashed by Arsenal who took a 2-0 lead early in the second half thanks to goals from Emile Smith Rowe and Nicolas Pepe.

Matheus Pereira closed the gap in the 67th minute but Arsenal’s Willian capitalized on a 90th-minute free-kick for Arsenal’s third goal.

The defeat saw West Brom manager Sam Allardyce suffer his first relegation in the English Premier League in his management career.

“It hasn’t been felt yet, but I’m sure I’ll wake up tomorrow and realize the situation.

“I am very disappointed our fight is over. Our main problem is not beating the bottom six team when meeting them.

“Results against Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City should be considered bonus points,” said Allardyce who replaced Slaven Bilic in December.

The victory for Arsenal came just days after they failed to reach the Europa League final following a goalless draw against Villarreal coached by former Gunners manager Unai Emery.

“We need this win. We haven’t won at home in a long time,” said Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.