Hull City's hopes of remaining in the Premier League suffered a major setback as they went down to a 2-0 defeat at Tottenham.
Hull went into the game in the final relegation spot, two points adrift of Newcastle and Sunderland, and in desperate need of victory.
While they came close to opening the scoring on 18 minutes, when Nikica Jelavic's shot hit the crossbar, they found themselves behind on 54 minutes when Erik Lamela set up Nacer Chadli to round the keeper and score.
Spurs full-back Danny Rose then smashed in second to leave Hull 18th in the Premier League table going into the final week.
Hull's survival chances were at least boosted by Newcastle's 2-1 defeat at Queens Park Rangers.
Emmanuel Riviere netted the opener on 26 minutes, scoring his first Premier League goal as he sent a scuffed shot past QPR keeper Rob Green, who had to be substituted soon afterwards following an accidental collision with Joey Barton.
Newcastle would have ensured their safety had they held on for the win, but QPR -- whose relegation had already been confirmed -- battled back in the second half.
Matt Phillips equalised on 54 minutes when he headed home a Charlie Austin cross, and Leroy Fer made it 2-1 with a stunning strike from long range seven minutes later.
Papiss Cisse came close to an equaliser in the dying minutes but his shot hit Clint Hill and was deflected wide.
Sunderland are now three points clear of Hull after a goalless draw at the King Power Stadium that saw Leicester secure their top-flight status.
Sunderland still have two games to play but will need to take a point from trips to Arsenal or Chelsea to ensure their safety.
Hull, whose goal difference is superior to both Newcastle and Sunderland's, host Manchester United on the final day. They must win and hope either Newcastle fail to beat West Ham or Sunderland lose both their remaining matches.
Departing Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard's final appearance at Anfield ended in disappointment as his side could not give him the send-off the occasion demanded in a 3-1 defeat to Crystal Palace.
The 34-year-old midfielder bade an emotional goodbye to his spiritual home ahead of his summer move to LA Galaxy, but Adam Lallana's opener was cancelled out by Jason Puncheon's free-kick before substitute Wilfried Zaha scored 23 seconds after coming on as a substitute.
Glenn Murray spoiled the Liverpool celebrations of their long-time servant by firing home the rebound after missing an added-time penalty as Palace deservedly left with three points.
Sadio Mane netted the fastest hat trick in Premier League history as Southampton boosted their hopes of European qualification with a 6-1 victory against Aston Villa, whose Premier League safety was later confirmed by other results.
The Senegal international's treble was wrapped up in 2 minutes and 56 seconds, and Shane Long also contributed a brace before the break, slotting home from close range before hitting an incredible 40-yard effort.
Christian Benteke pulled one back on the stroke of half-time with an exceptional header, but that did not save Tim Sherwood's FA Cup finalists trudging off at half-time to a chorus of boos.
Villa improved after the break but were unable to keep Saints at bay, with Graziano Pelle volleying home to take Saints to 60 points -- their best-ever Premier League return.
Everton came from behind to beat West Ham 2-1 at Upton Park.
Leon Osman cancelled out Stewart Downing's opener before Romelu Lukaku grabbed all three points for the Toffees with a stoppage-time winner.
Stoke posted a record Premier League point tally after a 0-0 draw with relegated Burnley at Turf Moor.
The stalemate takes them to 51 points -- the most they have ever registered in the seven years they have been in the Premier League -- and also ensures successive top-half finishes in the top flight for the first time in 40 years.