Relegation was confirmed for Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday night after a goalless draw between West Ham United and Crystal Palace ended any lingering hope of survival.
The 0-0 result at Selhurst Park mathematically sealed Wolves’ fate, leaving them unable to make up the gap to safety with five league games remaining.
It brings to an end an eight-year stay in the Premier League, with the club rooted to the bottom of the table after a campaign that never truly recovered from a disastrous start.
Wolves have managed just 17 points from 33 matches and sit well adrift of their rivals, trailing 17th-placed West Ham by 16 points.
West Ham’s draw ensured they remain just above the drop zone, two points clear of Tottenham, while simultaneously condemning Wolves.
Managers react to tense draw
Speaking after the match, West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo described the tense encounter, telling Sky Sports: “We performed well. We were organised and compact.
“Tough match. Our offensive process, the combinations didn’t quite go – the final ball, the final touch.
“The game was very balanced. It’s a tough shape to play against. It’s brought them a lot of success.
“It’s hard because they are good players. You cannot find the gaps. They are a threat on the counter-attacks.
“We were solid. It’s going to be a fight until the end.
“It will go all the way, for sure. Not only at the bottom of the table but at the top. This season has been very tight.”
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Soccer news: Liam Rosenior backed ‘100%’ by Chelsea owners but admits results must improve
Glasner’s thoughts on draw
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner also spoke to Sky Sports, saying: “Maybe they [West Ham] were expecting us to be a little bit fatigued and not focused, and I [told the players], ‘It’s you who have to give the answer’.
“It’s not important what I want, it’s the players, and I think, yes, they showed it.
“They gave the right answer that yes, they are focused, that they are committed, that they are really willing to work hard until the end.”
The stalemate reflected the pressure on both sides, with chances limited and neither team able to find a breakthrough.
Wolves’ season of missed chances
For Wolves, however, the outcome only confirmed what had seemed inevitable for weeks.
A winless start to the season and a series of heavy defeats left them playing catch-up from the outset, and even a slight improvement under new manager Rob Edwards could not repair the damage.
The club’s struggles have been compounded by managerial instability and poor recruitment, with early-season form setting the tone for a difficult campaign.
Despite occasional positive results, including isolated wins against stronger opposition, consistency proved elusive.
Attention will now turn to rebuilding in the Championship.
Wolves must regroup quickly, with questions already being asked about the squad, recruitment strategy and long-term direction.
Meanwhile, the relegation battle above them remains finely poised.
West Ham’s point may prove crucial, but with the gap still narrow, the fight for survival is far from over with five league games remaining.
READ NEXT: Premier League news: Man City edge Arsenal at the Etihad to blow title race wide open
SportJustSport writers 
Kieran McHugh