The factors that contributed to the Foxes getting the Premier League brush-off

Leicester have suffered their second Premier League relegation in two years after a 1-0 defeat to Liverpool.

It was their 23rd loss of the season and confirms their return to the Championship next term.

Here, the PA news agency looks at what went wrong in a miserable campaign.

Unhealthy squad

Leicester sauntered to the Championship title last season but came into the Premier League with the threat of profit and sustainability rules (PSR) battle hanging over their head.

As a result new boss Steve Cooper was restricted in the transfer market, with £20million pair Oliver Skipp and Bilal El Khannouss coming in after the season had started and not necessarily of the quality required.

It quickly became apparent, with Jamie Vardy nearing the end of his career, Leicester would struggle to score goals in a squad that was not up to the challenge of top-flight football.

Fan unrest

Despite their title-winning campaign last season, the fans were soon upset when they lost manager Enzo Maresca to Chelsea and replaced him with Steve Cooper – the former manager of their rivals Nottingham Forest.

Cooper never really got the supporters on side, partly due to his pragmatic style of football, and when he was replaced in December, they turned their attention to director of football John Rudkin.

There have been protests and empty seats in equal measure as the season wore on and any success next season will be dependent on a realignment between the fans and club.

Not in Ruud health

When Ruud van Nistelrooy took four points from his first two games following his appointment after the sacking of Cooper, Leicester were 16th and five points from safety and looking up.

However, they went on a dreadful run which saw them lose 16 of their next 18 games, culminating in their defeat to Liverpool.

Van Nistelrooy’s reputation has diminished by the week as has his apparent commitment to say he will remain at the club beyond the end of the season.

Now relegation is confirmed, the picture on the Dutchman’s future could become much clearer.

Goalscoring drought

Leicester have lost so many games because they have not been able to find the net with any sort of regularity.

Their 2-2 draw at Brighton last week came after drawing a blank in eight successive league games while they have not scored in front of their own fans since December 8 – a run of nine matches.

A leaky defence – they have let in 73 goals, shipping four on five occasions – also does not make a recipe for success.