Manchester City: Champions 2017-18
Pep was on the golf course, and Kevin De Bruyne was visiting family in Belgium as City were confirmed Premier League Champions. Last week the title was in our hands and we let a two goal lead slip, and with it a dream scenario. Billed as a ‘once in a lifetime opportunity’ the chance to secure the title at our own ground, against our local rivals, would have been fantastic.
Knocked out of the Champions League by Liverpool didn’t help. With it the season was in danger of crawling to a conclusion. Yes we were still always going to win the title, but when? Two days ago there were nerves around the blues. Would our three defeats in a row become four? Two days on and social media is buzzing with the confirmation that City had won the league.
West Brom fans got to do what Blues fans were so desperate to do last weekend. Chanting to the United fans exactly where the title was going. While it would have been great to have secured the title next week against Swansea, this way also had its perks.
In front of a United home crowd, after being told not to be clowns last weekend, the Ringling Bros took center stage. The ‘Theatre Of Dreams’ lived up to its name. However, the dreams were that of West Brom, who were facing relegation and, of course, the blues.
Watching from the stands was Sir Alex Ferguson. Speaking in 2009 he said that Manchester City would not be top dogs in his lifetime. In 2012 City became Premier League winners for the first time. A Sergio Aguero goal in the final seconds to wrestle the trophy away from Fergie.
The next time City won the Premier League title, United didn’t even make the top six. So, now with our third title being won on their ground without having to kick a ball, we have been top dogs three times in his lifetime.
When we review the season we will be reminded that we had a fantastic season. Breaking records all the way, and still some that could go before the end. Joint quickest time to win the trophy along with the potential for most goals, most points and most wins to name just a few.
The question is with the title secured, how does Pep use the last five games. Does he go for the records, or use the games to give some fringe players the chance to impress for the next campaign?