Sheffield United secured an automatic promotion to the Premier League with three games to spare after Wednesday’s 2-0 home victory over West Bromwich Albion ensured they will finish second in the Championship behind champions Burnley.

The Blades will return to the Premier League after two seasons, having been relegated in the 2020-21 campaign in which they finished bottom of the table.

The Yorkshire club, coached by Paul Heckingbottom, are second in the second-tier standings on 85 points after 43 games — 10 points behind Burnley, who have played a game more. Burnley clinched the title on Tuesday by beating local rivals Blackburn Rovers.

Second-half goals by Sander Berge and Anel Ahmedhodzic guided them to victory over West Brom to take an unassailable seven-point lead over third-placed Luton Town — who have played 44 games.

Sheffield were beaten by Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-finals last week.

Trent gears up for next season

London: Liverpool may be ending the season with a flourish and could still qualify for Europe but what has gone before has been unacceptable, according to right back Trent Alexander Arnold.

The Anfield club moved up to sixth place on Wednesday after coming from a goal down to beat West Ham United 2-1 away, their third successive Premier League victory. Cody Gakpo and Joel Matip scored for the winners after Lucas Paqueta gave the hosts the lead.

With games running out it seems unlikely Liverpool will make the Champions League.

While a Europa League berth would be some consolation, Alexander Arnold said Liverpool must improve next season.

“Some tweaks (need to be made) — it has to be just a blip,” Alexander Arnold told BBC. “We can’t have a season again like this, this isn’t acceptable. It needs to be a freak season and then next season be back in title races — that’s our aim.”

Alexander Arnold pointed out that some tactical changes had allowed Liverpool to hit their stride again.

Reuters