Pep Guardiola’s side are 10 points ahead of runner-up United and have completed the title with three games remaining.
A Manchester City supporter celebrates outside the Etihad Stadium in Manchester. AP
London: Manchester City have been crowned Premier League champions for the third time in four seasons after Manchester United suffered a 2-1 defeat at Leicester on Tuesday.
Pep Guardiola’s side are 10 points ahead of runner-up United and finished the title with three games left.
In the midst of a grueling run of three games in five days, United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer effectively handed the title over to arch-rivals City by replacing a weakened team with 10 changes After many City players watched on television, Luke Thomas gave Leicester the lead in the 10th minute before Mason Greenwood equalized five minutes later.
Caglar Soyuncu’s header in the 66th minute made City pop the champagne corks for a title party that has seemed inevitable for months.
Leicester’s Caglar Soyuncu is celebrating with his teammates after he scored his team’s second goal against Manchester United. AP
City were denied a chance to celebrate on Sunday as Chelsea won 2-1 at Etihad Stadium, while United kept them waiting to win at Aston Villa on Sunday.
The delay was only, however temporarily and City, who also won the League Cup in April, can finally enjoy a title triumph which is all the sweeter given the obstacles they have overcome this season.
« This has been a season and a Premier League title Like no other. This was the most difficult, « said Guardiola.
» We will always remember this season because we won. I am so proud to be the manager of this group of players.
« You are so special. Getting through this season with all the limitations and difficulties and showing the consistency we have is remarkable. It’s relentless. «
City’s seventh top title could mark the start of an even bigger triumph on May 29 when they face Chelsea in their first Champions League final.
City was exhausted from the late end of last season and ill-prepared due to the subsequent lack of an appropriate preseason.
After a sad 1-1 draw with West Bromwich Albion in December, City had only won five of their first twelve Premier League games.
It was the worst start to a season in Guardiola’s managerial career, which led the Spaniard to the surprising admission that he didn’t like his team.
After City meekly surrendered the title to Liverpool last season , it seemed City was facing a period of regression.
But Guardiola made such a great recovery that City turned the title race into a procession and gave him three Premier League crowns for three La Li ga trophies with Barcelona and three for Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga.
After the game against West Brom, City scored 21 wins in a row in all competitions, a record for a top English club, including a 4-1 win against Liverpool at Anfield.
As a further sign of their dominance, City will play their first game as champions in Newcastle on Friday, scoring 19 away wins in a row in all competitions.
« Every season starts with the Premier League the most important title for us. Here you have to be there every three days and all of your rivals play at home and away, « said Guardiola.
» You can only win this competition if you are the best week after week. It’s a huge success. «
One of the keys to City’s success has been the inspired form of Ruben Dias, who has changed Guardiola’s defense since arriving from Benfica in August.
Even without the club’s all-time top scorer, Sergio Aguero, City was a strong force for a long time due to fitness problems.
The appearance of the English playmaker Phil Foden as the winning squad was decisive. Kevin De Bruyne was more consistent than ever despite fighting injuries.
Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez provided fatal finishing while dynamic full-back Joao Cancelo caused chaos with his attacking shots.
Manchester United and Chelsea face tough title challenges next season, and Liverpool should improve after an injury-related campaign.
But after the outcomes of city legends David Silva, Vincent Kompany and Yaya Toure in recent years, Guardiola has created a new generation ffen that could gain the upper hand in the coming years.Guardiola’s recent success in the Premier League has earned him an astonishing 26 major trophies in his managerial career.
With two trophies secured this season, he can the city boss is focused on achieving a memorable triple by winning his club’s first Champions League crown.
Changed date:
May 12, 2021 8:22:11 AM IST
KEYWORDS:
Manchester United’s top three games in five days follow after the intense second leg in the Europa League semi-finals in Rome on Thursday, where they lost 3-2 but triumphed 8-5 overall to reach the final against Villarreal.
Pep Guardiola’s side are 13 points clear and will be crowned champions if runner-up Manchester United lose to Liverpool on Sunday.
Manchester United players face the prospect of four Premier League games in 10 days after Edinson Cavani’s brace blocked a valiant AS Roma comeback attempt
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