Ipswich relegated after one season in Premier League

Ipswich were relegated from the Premier League after a 3-0 defeat against Newcastle at St James’ Park on Saturday.

Emblematic of the self-inflicted wounds that hampered Ipswich this season, Kieran McKenna’s side had Ben Johnson sent off in the 37th minute for two bookings in quick succession at St James’ Park.

Newcastle’s Alexander Isak converted a penalty after Jacob Murphy was fouled by Julio Enciso in first half stoppage-time.

Dan Burn’s 56th minute header doubled Newcastle’s lead, and William Osula’s 80th minute goal left Ipswich with no chance of beating the drop.

Third-bottom Ipswich are 15 points behind fourth-bottom West Ham with four games left, ensuring their first season in the top-flight for 22 years will end with an immediate return to the Championship.

Out of their depth among the Premier League elite, Ipswich have won just four of their 34 league games.

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Their relegation alongside Southampton and Leicester, who were both already condemned to the drop, means all three promoted sides will be back in the second tier next season.

It is the first time in Premier League history that all three relegations have been confirmed with as many as four games to go.

Ipswich’s fairytale rise to the Premier League had captured the hearts of football romantics after their successive promotions from League One and the Championship.

McKenna, 38, had earned plaudits for Ipswich’s attacking style during their surge up the divisions after his appointment in 2021.

But the former Manchester United assistant coach was unable to preserve Ipswich’s top-flight status.

The Star