West Bromwich Albion's Geoff Horsefield, center, celebrates at the final whistle in the English Premiership match against Portsmouth at The Hawthorns, West Bromwich, Sunday May 15, 2005. (AP photo)

LONDON, May 15 (Xinhuanet) -- The relegation suspense was unraveled in the final round on Sunday when West Bromwich Albion escaped relegation with a home 2-0 win over Portsmouth after a roller coaster final day of matches.

    Thanks to Geoff Horsfield and Kieran Richardson's goal, the Baggies stayed up by a point and become the first team since the Premiership began to survive despite being bottom at Christmas.

    Crystal Palace were eight minutes from safety but Charlton's equalizer sent them down, while Norwich surrendered meekly with a 6-0 thumping at Fulham. Southampton's 27-year top-flight stay ended with a 2-1 defeat by Man Utd.

    The final 90 minutes of the Premiership campaign saw the four teams in danger of going down all enjoy moments where they were potentially safe.

    Norwich started the day in the coveted 17th spot, but never looked like reclaiming it once they started shipping goals at Craven Cottage.

    Southampton were the beneficiaries initially, even when Man Utdcancelled out their early opener at St Mary's.

    But Horsfield's goal in the 58th minute saw West Brom leapfrog their rivals. They were further helped by Richardson's second in the 75th minute, and United going on to beat Southampton.

    However, celebrations at The Hawthorns had to be put on hold when Crystal Palace hauled themselves 2-1 in front at Charlton with an Andy Johnson penalty in the 71st mintue.

    And the Eagles were within touching distance of survival until Jon Fortune's 82nd-minute header pegged them back, and rocketed West Brom back out of the bottom three.

    The other key issue to be resolved on the final day centered around who would clinch the final European qualifying place.

    Middlesbrough, who were in pole position before visiting Manchester City, eventually held on to seventh spot with a 1-1 draw, but only thanks to the heroics of goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer.     

    His late penalty save from Robbie Fowler in the 90th minute prevented City stealing all three points and the win that would have seen them swap places with Boro.

    Elsewhere on the final day, champions Chelsea drew 1-1 at Newcastle but runners-up Arsenal lost 1-2 at Birmingham.

    Everton ended fourth and in the last Champions League place - despite a negative goal difference - after losing 2-3 at Bolton, who finished sixth just behind Liverpool on goal difference after they beat Aston Villa.

    Spurs also missed out on Europe after a goalless draw at home to Blackburn who, like Portsmouth and Fulham, already knew they were safe from the threat of the final-day trap door. Enditem