LONDON (Reuters) - West Bromwich Albion were relegated from the Premier League after just one season when they lost 2-0 to Liverpool at The Hawthorns Sunday.
Goals from Steven Gerrard and Dirk Kuyt sealed West Brom's fate after a recent revival in their form suggested they could launch a second "great escape" after famously avoiding relegation in 2005.
Gerrard pounced on a mistake by centre-back Shelton Martis to score the opener after 28 minutes with Kuyt adding the second in the 63rd minute. West Brom had chances to score, the best when substitute Luke Moore hit the post after 77 minutes.
West Brom play their final match at Blackburn Rovers next Sunday and remain bottom with 31 points. Sunderland, Hull City, Newcastle United and Middlesbrough are all still hoping to avoid filling the other two relegation places.
Liverpool, attempting to finish as runners-up to champions Manchester United, stretched their unbeaten League run to 10 matches and moved on to 83 points.
Chelsea, who are third on 77 points, face Blackburn at Stamford Bridge in a 4 p.m. kick-off.
(editing by Justin Palmer)