Burnley’s relegation from the Premier League was confirmed this afternoon while Luton Town are almost certain to join them.
The Clarets needed to win at Tottenham to stand any chance of taking their fight to the final day and it appeared to be going to plan when Jacob Bruun Larsen put them in front in North London.
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They could not hold on, though, with Pedro Porro equalising seven minutes later and Micky van de Ven grabbing the winner for Spurs eight minutes from time.
Defeat leaves Vincent Kompany’s men four points adrift of 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, who take on Chelsea in the evening kick-off.
Kompany told BBC Sport: “I’m very lucky to be surrounded by good people, hardworking players, staff and fans who have backed the club for generations. That’s who we try to do it for every weekend.
“Today the Premier League is over but tomorrow we start day one of doing everything we can to get back to the Premier League.
“The game has gone a bit like others have gone for us this season. We created chances but the one where we missed the final pass.
“I’m not here sulking and feeling sorry for us but if you take every game, every season as a learning experience, this is step we need to get into our game.”
We’re spending next season in the Championship.
It’s the end of a chapter not the end of the story.
Thank you for your continued support. 💔 pic.twitter.com/SovedlHm4y
— Burnley FC (@BurnleyOfficial) May 11, 2024
Luton are within three points of Forest but a vastly inferior goal difference means they are also facing up to the reality of an instant return to the Championship.
The Hatters also went ahead through Albert Sambi Lokonga but, in similar fashion to Burnley, collapsed and goals from James Ward-Prowse, Tomas Soucek and George Earthy turned the game in favour of West Ham.
Luton boss Rob Edwards was in tears at the final whistle. He said: “I’m an emotional person and walking over to our supporters and seeing their reaction brought me to tears.
“The love and affection they have given us, which goes both ways and is unique in football these days. I feel devastated, I didn’t want to let anyone down and I feel responsible. I thanked the players and staff, they’ve given me the best 18 months of my life.
A heart-warming reception at full-time inside London Stadium.
Thank you for your support on the road this season, safe journey home 🧡 pic.twitter.com/Yz977udxCV
— Luton Town FC (@LutonTown) May 11, 2024
“We brought a certain spirit, the underdog factor and we changed opinions of ourselves as we went. What makes me proud is how much we have improved in the hardest league in the world.
“We have some what ifs but I’m not making excuses. Every team who goes down will have them. We have fallen short but we have to learn and keep improving.
“I am learning all the time and there is more I don’t know than I do know. I’ve loved going up against the best and it makes me hungry to be here again. The fire is burning.”
He added: “We have grown so much, this club is only going in one direction. The growth this team have shown makes me really proud. I do care about how we go about it and to show the competitive nature we have been able to bring to the league makes us all better.
“In the end it’s just been too much for us.”
