Congratulations to Manchester City.
Manchester City are Premier League Champions after their final day of the season victory against Aston Villa secured their fourth title in five years.
Man City needed to match Liverpool’s result to ensure that the league was theirs and were given the perfect start as Jurgen Klopp’s side fell behind early on against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Poor defending from Ibrahima Konate allowed Raul Jimenez to fire a low-driven ball into the box, straight into the path of Pedro Neto, who dispatched comfortably to silence Anfield.
Man City are Premier League champions 🏆 pic.twitter.com/IZn98rZWPu
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) May 22, 2022
While Liverpool went in search of a response, City controlled the tempo of the game at the Etihad Stadium and almost capitalised on a lapse of concentration from Villa debutant Robin Olsen, but were unable to take the lead.
Liverpool’s resilience paid off in the end, as Sadio Mane equalised for the Reds on 24 minutes as he made the most of Thiago’s cheekily-flicked through ball to slot home.
Thiago, taking the piss, again. What a player 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/u1LiS1VE7D
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) May 22, 2022
10 minutes before half time and the first major twist in the title race occurred at the Etihad as Villa took a surprise lead. Matty Cash rose highest to head home from a Lucas Digne cross. At this point in the day, City were still champions, but only on goal difference.
Liverpool thought they had taken an early second-half lead through Mane again, however, he mistimed his run and his goal was subsequently ruled out for being offside.
City’s fears increased even further as former Liverpool man Philippe Coutinho doubled Villa’s lead but with Liverpool still in search of a winner, the title still belonged to Guardiola’s side.
Shortly after, however, City reduced the deficit as Ilkay Gundogan headed home Raheem Sterling’s cross as the race for the title became more intense than ever.
The title race then swung back in full favour of the reigning champions as Rodri responded shortly after Gundogan’s effort with a composed first-time side-footed finish from the edge of the box to level the tie.
If you thought the drama was over then think again as City yet again produced final day drama as they completed the turnaround as Gundogan tapped home Kevin De Bruyne’s nine minutes from time.
🎙️ "ILKAY GUNDOGAN YOU LITTLE DANCER!!" 🕺
Manchester City turn it around at the Etihad!! WOW!! pic.twitter.com/4tRqwuvJUj
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 22, 2022
Despite two late goals to win at Anfield, City did enough to hold on and secure the Premier League title.
Football, bloody hell.
