Manchester City have finally won the Premier League title after rivals Manchester United lost at home to bottom-placed club West Bromwich Albion. The story of the champions’ deciding day
Everyone who watches English football has known the Citizens would become champions for a few months now. The inevitable was delayed following defeat to foes Manchester United last week.
Post-match, Red Devils’ manager Jose Mourinho complimented the Citizens’ achievement, yet also threw-in a typically Mourinho-style warning:
"“They won the title because they were the best team..next season, we are going to try to improve” – Jose Mourinho (Via: Daily Mail)"
Many football supporters believed it would take City until next week to win the league. United should have defeated West Brom, especially after beating City away delaying their crowning. The Sky Blues also lost twice to Liverpool in their previous three games.
Beating Swansea on April 22 would have secured the title, despite any results. However, rivals United’s pathetic loss at home to almost-relegated West Brom assured Guardiola his trophy.
Overall consensus is that City are deserving winners. Dismantling all in their path domestically is truly impressive. It reminds us of Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United team of 1999. Or indeed, Arsene Wenger’s ‘Invincibles‘.
Pep Guardiola’s players beat all 19 of their premiership opponents during the campaign. Opta statistics tell us that this is only “the third time that a side has done so in a single campaign, after Chelsea in 2005/06 and Man Utd in 2010/11.” Stunning; especially with five matches remaining.
Celebrations
Captain Vincent Kompany was focused on next season merely hours after clinching the league. His triumph possibly yet to sink-in:
"“You can’t take it for granted – before you know it, it’s gone. I mean; I’ve been lucky to win three…you can’t take this for granted. Today I’m happy.”– Vincent Kompany (Via: Sky Sports)"
Belgian international Kompany has won the title three times. His tone was possibly due to not having ever retained the cup. He went on to mention his desire to correct that next year.
Some Sky Blues players refreshingly celebrated the conquest with their fans in a local pub. I did not think we would see the like of such intimacy in the modern game. A perfect ending for a fantastic side.
In conclusion
Although their football was attractive and tactics almost always correct, City are big spenders. Since Guardiola’s arrival, they have spent most of all EPL clubs: £456.4million to better their competitors. Investment should not be frowned upon as long as financial fair play is adhered to.
When analysing City’s season it is clear they deserve respect. If they win three more games, it will beat Chelsea’s record of 30 victories in a league campaign. Nine points more – giving them 104 – would also beat the Pensioners’ record for total points.
Another one is also currently held by the Stamford Bridge outfit. Guardiola’s team can break the goals scored tally with 11 more in five fixtures. There are a few lesser achievements also there to be broken.
This summer is going to be interesting transfer-wise. The gap on City seems slightly tighter since last week’s demolishing by Liverpool. With the top six evidently solidified, spending wisely will probably ensure the 2018/19 champions.
Which Player from the Etihad is your Player of the Season: Kevin De Bruyne, Sergio Aguero, Raheem Sterling, Fernandinho, or another?