Manchester City won an unprecedented fourth consecutive Premier League title after Phil Foden scored a brace to inspire a 3-1 victory over West Ham United at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
No team in the history of the English Premier League had ever won four straight championships, but under Pep Guardiola, City have grown accustomed to shattering records.
In the last seven seasons, the Catalan coach has orchestrated six Premier League victories.
City has also scored more than ninety points in four of those seasons. They had to work hard this year to keep Arsenal from winning a championship since 2003–04.
With nine games remaining, the Gunners were one point ahead of City after their celebration of a 0-0 draw at the Etihad last month.
However, the winners were unwavering in the closing stages, winning their last nine league games and tallying 33 goals.
Guardiola acknowledged After a tense 2-0 victory against Tottenham in midweek, City felt the pressure and maintained control over the title.
They overcame Aston Villa 3-2 on the last day of the season two years ago, but not before they staged an incredible comeback from a 2-0 deficit.
In David Moyes’ last game as manager of the Hammers, there was a lot less drama as West Ham melted under the sweltering Manchester sun.
After just 79 seconds, Foden put an end to any doubt with his best-ever goal-scoring season, earning him the title of Football Writers’ Player of the Year.
To guarantee there would be no anxious wait for the title celebration to begin, the England international struck a scorching drive into the upper corner.
In less than twenty minutes, Foden scored his 27th goal of the year, another brilliant left-footed finish from Jeremy Doku’s cross to double City’s advantage.
Alphonse Areola’s stop of Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland’s miss at close range prevented City from being seen until halftime.
The first half’s story took an unexpected turn as Mohammed Kudus’ amazing overhead kick from a West Ham corner soared high beyond Stefan Ortega.
Despite having a forgettable day in front of goal, Haaland won his second Golden Boot in as many seasons in the Premier League.
When the Norwegian spooned over another inviting cross from Doku, he lost a great opportunity to give the home team a two-goal lead again.
At the beginning of the second half, City quickly put things back in order, and it was only fitting that Rodri—who was also a candidate for player of the year—dealt the final blow to Arsenal’s title aspirations.
Since March 2023, the Spaniard has never lost for either his country or his club.
The three Premier League games in which the 27-year-old was suspended were City’s only three losses.
Areola had a chance to score this time, but the Frenchman was unable to convert Rodri’s meek attempt.
From open play, City could easily win and extend an incredible 35-game unbeaten record across all competitions.
The sole setback during that run was a quarterfinal Champions League loss to Real Madrid via penalty shootout, which kept Guardiola’s team from winning back-to-back trebles.
Next Saturday, when Manchester United faces the difficult task of defeating their local rivals in the FA Cup final, they may double that success.
With their unprecedented level of league dominance, City have established themselves as the best team to come out of England.
The game ended without much fanfare as City players had to instruct the crowd to leave the field before the full-time siren.
Thousands of fans descended onto the pitch at the conclusion, defying the club’s entreaties to remain off the pitch.
Photo by EPA/ASH ALLEN
