City finally had their thirst for silverware quenched as they claimed the English Premier League on Matchday 38. Guardiola’s men overhauled a two goal deficit to put an end to the writing of a Liverpool fairy-tale
37th and 69th minute strikes from Matty Cash and Philippe Coutinho were seemingly going to stab Guardiola and hand over the trophy to Jurgen instead but the former fought hard and pulled as many stunts as it took to turn around within the space of five minutes.
Guardiola’s tactical prowess was once again a card up City’s sleeve and worthy of some eulogy as the Spaniard made tactical decisions late into the match that turned it on its head. Guardiola’s technical know how for the game was highly rewarded as off-the-bench IIkay Gundogan bagged a brace in the 76th and 81st minute respectively while Rodri’s 78th minute equalizer was assisted by Zinchenko who replaced Fernandinho.
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City were careful not to let loose of the reins like they had done in Madrid earlier this month and they were able to see this one through. Jurgen Klopp and his men also registered a 2-1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers but Gundogan’s match winner proved effective and had the final say as Liverpool finished strong nonetheless runners-up
It’s not about Liverpool failing to win the cup, it’s about City being phenomenal. Liverpool chased with all strength and pace but City simply capped up all their efforts. Klopp and the players tried to fight back, get into the driving seat but The Sky Blues were better by an inch.
Reminiscence
It’s not the first time an EPL season has ended in such competitive manner between two massive Titans. The 2021/22 season is infact a remake of the 2018/19 season, one in which Liverpool also chased all the way to the end but despite amazing resilience failed to outwit their Blue rivals. During this particular season, City were strong in the game, finishing with an outstanding 98 while Liverpool were just a point inferior at 97. Liverpool were good, City were better. It’s no fault of Klopp’s or The Reds’ that they had a simply classier or more difficult competitor in form of Manchester City. There was nothing Liverpool could do about this. They did their homework; only they didn’t stop The Citizens from doing theirs, as a matter of fact, Etihad did even better on this course.
Manchester City have now won the EPL four times in the past five seasons. Their prolonged reign began in 2017/18, Guardiola’s second season in charge and the blue outfit have gone on to win four titles since then. But there remains a longing for the entire City verse and that is the UCL. So far, the Spaniard has experienced seasons of disappointment playing in Europe. Madrid, Chelsea, Lyon, Monaco, Liverpool, Tottenham are the six clubs who have obscured City’s dreams to quintessential european glory during Guardiola’s tenure.
For today, City will try to forget the infamous night in Spain, the aura, their UCL jinx, they’re going to focus on yet another milestone they’ve achieved. They’re the champions of England, they crushed Liverpool’s dreams of a quadruple, they’re now second placed in terms of number of EPL trophies, 6 behind United’s 13. With a lease of new life, they’ll look to the next season, perhaps they can make it this time around. BUT FOR NOW, MANCHESTER CITY ARE ONCE AGAIN CHAMPIONS OF ENGLAND.