Manchester City Crowned Premier League Champions
Manchester City celebrated winning the Premier League title from their sofas on Tuesday as Manchester United lost to Leicester, confirming that Pep Guardiola’s side reclaimed their crown from Liverpool.
The title is the seventh in their history, ranking them fifth in England’s overall list of top-tier champions, behind: Manchester United (20), Liverpool (19), Arsenal (13) and Everton (nine).
There were a number of keys that contributed to the success.
From their worst start to a winning streak
Guardiola had never started a season as badly as he started this one with City. A 2-0 loss to Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham early on looked to have ruled them out of contention, but the Catalan insisted that “there are a lot of points left to play for”.
City, though, managed to win 21 games in a row to pull well clear at the top.
Unstoppable away from home
When they leave Manchester, City cannot be stopped. They’ve won 19 games in a row away from the Etihad Stadium, with 11 of those coming in the Premier League. In that run, City have beaten Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal, Leicester, Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain.
Ruben Dias has brought solidity
In the first 10 Matchdays, City conceded 11 goals and scored just 10. But Ruben Dias’ introduction changed everything.
His signing has been fundamental, and he has even brought the best out of John Stones, who had looked lost before his arrival and integration. Now, they’ve conceded just 26 times in 35 Premier League games.
Ilkay Gundogan
Without a poacher in attack who can kill teams off with just a sniff at goal, the German midfielder has stepped up with 12 goals. He has become a reliable source of goals, and he has been joined of late by Riyad Mahrez.
Pep’s love of a false No.9
Just as he did with Lionel Messi at Barcelona, Guardiola has looked for solutions in attack with Gabriel Jesus and Sergio Aguero out. Ferran Torres, Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva have all deputised there.
Foden’s explosion
The English youngster is a phenomenon, and he’s having an incredible season. From being ballboy to being a key part of their team, he has 14 goals, 10 assists, and countless top class performances.
Overcoming injuries and COVID-19
Kevin De Bruyne, Aguero, Jesus, Raheem Sterling, Bernardo Silva, Joao Cancelo and so many other players have had problems this season, either injuries or positive coronavirus tests. Guardiola has complained about the conditions in England, the virus and fixture congestion, but City have marched on.
Another title for Guardiola
In 12 seasons as a coach, only three domestic league titles have escaped him. This is his 31st trophy, and he can win a 32nd in the Champions League final against Chelsea. At City, he’s already won 10.
Going for the treble
With the Premier League and Carabao Cup already in the bag, City will be aiming to win the treble when they face Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea again in th Champions League final, and that’s the trophy they have been desperate to win for a long time.
