Wolves have become the first team to be relegated from the Premier League 2025-2026 season following Crystal Palace's 0-0 draw with West Ham in a delayed match on 20/4. Currently at the bottom of the league table with 17 points, Wolves are 16 points behind 17th-placed West Ham. With only five matches remaining and a maximum of 15 points available, their fate is sealed.

This relegation marks Wolves' return to the Championship after eight years in England's top flight. The club earned promotion to the Premier League in 2018 under former coach Nuno Santo, after winning the Championship. During their eight-year tenure, Wolves achieved their highest position of seventh in both the 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 seasons.

Wolves (in yellow) drew 2-2 with Arsenal at Molineux on 18/2. Photo: AP

Wolves began the 2025-2026 season with coach Vitor Pereira. However, they managed to secure only two points from their first 10 matches. The appointment of coach Rob Edwards on a three-and-a-half-year contract in late November was reportedly an early preparation for their anticipated relegation. Under Edwards, Wolves showed a slight improvement, earning an additional 15 points, including victories against Aston Villa and Liverpool, and a draw with Arsenal. Despite this, consecutive losses to West Ham (0-4) and Leeds (0-3) after the recent FIFA days break confirmed their inevitable drop.

Burnley, currently 19th and three points above Wolves, is expected to follow suit. The final relegation spot is likely to be contested among three teams: Tottenham (31 points), West Ham (33), and Nottingham Forest (36).

Nottingham Forest has shown strong form, remaining unbeaten in their last five matches. West Ham has also impressed, securing two wins and two draws in their last five outings, including a 1-1 draw with Man City. In contrast, Tottenham has not registered a win in nearly four months.

Meanwhile, Coventry City, managed by former Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard, has been confirmed as the first team promoted to the Premier League next season from the Championship. The remaining two promotion spots are being fiercely contested by Ipswich Town, Millwall, Southampton, Hull City, and Middlesbrough.

Thanh Quy