In the end, like their season as a whole, it was too little, too late for Burnley.
The Clarets were relegated from the Premier League on Sunday after losing 2-1 at home to Newcastle United while dogfight rivals Leeds United triumphed 2-1 at nine-man Brentford. The Yorskshiremen finished 17th in the table, three points ahead of their Lancashire rivals.
Burnley had shown some fight towards the end of the campaign – particularly after the sacking of manager Sean Dyche with eight games to go – but temporary replacement Mike Jackson failed in his attempt to save his team from the dreaded drop.
At the start of the day, Burnley were above Leeds on goal difference, but by the end, their six-year spell in the top flight was over having spent almost all of the campaign in the bottom three.
In truth, they had been woeful for most of the game against a Newcastle side who were 2-0 up after an hour thanks to a Callum Wilson double and some woeful defending that summed up Burnley's season.
The first came from a penalty after Nathan Collins inexplicably handled the ball and Wilson sent Nick Pope the wrong way from the spot. The second arrived when Allan Saint Maximin crossed for the Newcastle striker who was given the freedom of Turf Moor to side-foot home.
Burnley were given some hope after 69 minutes when Maxwel Cornet blasted in a volley after his first effort had been parried by Magpies goalkeeper Martin Dubravka.
Their best spell of the match followed as they pegged Newcastle back with a series of corners but Cornet headed their best chance straight at Dubravka three minutes from time.
"It's raw, we've got a group of players who are gutted," said Jackson. "I don't think there is any other word to say about that. The effort they've put in since we came in has been brilliant. Today we've come out on the wrong side of chasing the game. We had some really good chances but couldn't take them."
Leeds, meanwhile, went into the game needing to better Burnley's result and, after a nervy first half, they took the lead when Raphinha capitalised on a David Raya miss-timed goal kick, with the goalkeeper bringing down the Brazilian trying to atone for his error. Raphinha picked himself up and made no mistake from the spot.
However, Thomas Frank’s side fought back and levelled through substitute Sergi Canos’ header at the far post, although he was booked for taking his shirt off celebration.
Canos was shown a second yellow card and dismissed for a foul on Raphinha, leaving his side with nine men. Kristoffer Ajer had already been forced off through injury after the Bees had used all their substitutions.
In added time, Leeds were able to capitalise on the numerical advantage, as Jack Harrison’s drive from distance was deflected in to ensure their Premier League survival.
"Hot day – not easy for either team," said Leeds manager Jesse Marsch, "We got the lead which was important, I thought the start was really good. When we were up two men we still didn't want to leave it up to fate, we tried to push the winner to secure our fate.
"This group has been able to dig deep in injury time and find goals and the character is clear and it's a privilege to work with these guys."
