Storming their way to a 3-1 romp against West Ham on Sunday afternoon, Manchester City officially got their hands on a fourth consecutive Premier League crown.
With their destiny firmly in their own hands heading into Sunday’s finale, Pep Guardiola’s men got off to a sensational start as the red-hot Phil Foden opened the scoring with under two minutes on the clock.
Knowing that three points would have been enough to finish off their charge for the history books here, City quickly doubled their lead as Foden swept home from close range just 16 minutes after his opener.
Although Ghana international Mohammed Kudus might have pulled one back for West Ham just before the half-time break thanks to a stunning acrobatic finish, midfielder Rodri restored the home side’s two-goal cushion with a shot from the edge of the area after 59 minutes.
Avoiding any major final weekend drama at the Etihad, City have now won six out of the past seven Premier League titles. Last term, they joined Huddersfield, Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United, twice, in winning the top flight three years in a row.
Remarkably not suffering a single domestic defeat since the start of December, Guardiola’s side have arguably cemented their spot as the greatest club side in top-flight history.
As for West Ham, mustering just four Premier League victories since opening the New Year, Sunday’s 3-1 loss was David Moyes’ last match in the Hammers’ dugout.
Although the east London outfit might have wrapped up a ninth-place finish, they will be disappointed by what was a stuttering end to the 2023/24 campaign.
On an afternoon when City cruised their way to more Premier League history, we have taken a look at the main talking points from the Etihad.
City are imperious
While Arsenal might have taken Man City right down to the final weekend, Guardiola’s history-making squad have only continued to demonstrate why many still regard them as the greatest club side in world football.
Although the Sky Blues might have relinquished their maiden European crown earlier in the month as they suffered penalties heartbreak at the hands of Spanish giants Real Madrid, the former Barcelona boss has seen his squad embark on another stunning domestic romp.
Along with getting their hands on a record-breaking fourth consecutive Premier League trophy here, Guardiola’s men have also won six of the past seven domestic titles. In fact, City have achieved something no other men’s side has managed since the English league was formed in 1888, 136 years ago.
Although there might have been some speculation over the past week that next season could be Guardiola’s final year in the blue half of Manchester, City still have one more piece of silverware hanging in the balance.
Looking to complete a double-winning campaign next weekend, City will meet bitter local rivals Manchester United in the FA Cup final at Wembley.
Foden has been City’s leading man this season
While Erling Haaland might have stormed their way to another Premier League Golden Boot this season, there is no doubt that City’s homegrown superstar has been the poster boy of their history-making campaign.
Opening the scoring with a thunderous strike here and eventually leaving the Etihad with a first-half brace, Foden has continued to receive a string of plaudits this year and will certainly play a leading role when England arrive at this summer’s European Championships.
Officially crowned PFA Player of the Season and with his stock at a red-hot high, the 23-year-old has continued to shatter a string of personal records this year.
Registering 19 Premier League goals this season and recording a further eight top-flight assists, Foden has simply been unplayable for large spells and is now recognised as the ultimate gem in City’s crown.
With some even billing the Stockport-born superstar as a potential Ballon d’Or contender, the whole of England will be excited by the fact that Foden is heading into EURO 24 in the midst of a remarkable run of form.
Moyes’ tenure officially comes to an end
While West Ham might have made their own piece of history last season as they got their hands on a maiden Europa Conference League crown, it is no secret Moyes has found a huge amount of pressure on his shoulders.
Although the Hammers might have opened the New Year in the midst of a real domestic romp, Sunday’s guests have come crashing back down to earth and certainly limped their way over the finishing line.
Despite always knowing that they faced a monumental challenge when they travelled to the Etihad here, Moyes’ side have recorded just a trio of Premier League victories throughout the second-half of the campaign.
Opening May with a nightmare performance as they slumped to a 5-0 drumming against London rivals Chelsea, West Ham have continued to show a string of glaring defensive issues this season.
Shipping 74 Premier League goals this year and with only the three relegated sides holding a worse defensive tally, the Hammers will get a new era underway in east London as they look set to officially welcome ex-Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui over the next few days.
Match Report
Manchester City: Ortega, Walker, Dias, Gvardiol, Rodri, Silva, De Bruyne, Foden, Doku, Halland
Subs: Kovacic, Ake
West Ham: Areola, Coufal, Mavropanos, Zouma, Cresswell, Emerson, Ward-Prowse, Soucek, Kudus, Antonio, Paqueta
Subs: Ings, Alvarez, Earthy
Goals: Manchester City: Foden (2’, 18’), Rodri (59’) – West Ham: Kudus (42’)
Yellow Cards: Alvarez
Red Cards: N/A
Referee: John Brooks
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