Sport news in brief
Antonio’s flurry seals Norwich fate
Norwich City have been relegated from the Premier League after a resounding 4-0 defeat to West Ham United at Carrow Road. Michail Antonio’s four goals sealed the Canaries’ fate, as Daniel Farke’s side became the first team to lose their top-flight status this season.
Norwich were already six points adrift at the foot of the table before the coronavirus pandemic, and their form since the restart took a turn for the worse. Six successive league defeats have now followed, to extend the losing run to seven in total, in which time last season’s Championship winners have only managed to score once.
Antonio’s two goals in the first half put an end to Norwich’s already slim hopes of survival, but West Ham’s emphatic victory was sealed when he struck twice more in the second period to become the first Hammers player to net four in a Premier League game.
Deeney lifts Watford away from trouble
Troy Deeney scored a brace of penalties as Watford came from behind to beat Newcastle and take a huge step towards securing Premier League survival.
As they did against Norwich in midweek, the Hornets conceded first at Vicarage Road before rallying back to win 2-1 – this time Deeney hammering home two spot-kicks after Dwight Gayle had given the visitors a half-time lead.
Deeney had not scored in six games but Nigel Pearson’s captain came up with the goods to move Watford six points clear of the relegation zone.
Premiership in talks with players over resumption
Premiership Rugby is in negotiations with top-flight players over how best to manage their welfare when the competition returns. Matches will resume on 14 August after a 159-day hiatus when Harlequins host Sale at the Twickenham Stoop.
Premiership Rugby has revealed midweek fixtures will be required to complete the final nine rounds of action, with the final due to take place on 24 October. Clubs will have to play rounds 15 and 16 with only four days' break and discussions are continuing between league bosses and the Rugby Players' Association.