Manchester City season review: May
What a season it’s been for the Blues. Records have fallen and the Premier League has been won in a very special way. We have seen some highs. We have seen some lows. Questions on Pep’s style of play answered and, for the most part, domination of the English game.
Entering the final month of the season, City would host Huddersfield. After the game, Manchester City would be in a celebratory mood as they would be presented with the Premier League trophy. I am not sure the players were aware there was a game before the presentation.
The free scoring Manchester City side, chasing records, failed to score a goal in the 90 minutes. It meant Pep would have to wait for the record, still a point behind Chelsea’s 95 and three goals behind their 105.
It really didn’t hamper the celebrations though, fans poured onto the pitch before returning to their seats. Presentation of the trophy handed to Vincent Kompany, who encouraged the departing Yaya Toure to assist.
Including all the backroom staff along with players, it was a continuation of the belief that the side is more than the eleven players on the field.
Next up for City was the postponed game from earlier in the season, at home to Brighton. This was penciled in as Yaya Toure’s farewell to the home crowd. With the emotion of the night, Manchester City got back to winning ways with a 3-1 victory.
Finally overtaking the Premier League points record, City were still on course for a very sensational 100 points. The three goals for the Blues also brought us level with the goals scoring in a League campaign. The victory gave City 31 wins in a season with a game to go.
The final game was an unexpected last-minute drama. With Manchester City already having secured the title and many records, this game was considered to just be playing the full quota. Predictions were that City would roll Southampton over early and cruise to the final whistle.
The way it played out was so much different. 0-0 heading into the final moments, the 100 points seemed a step too far and the goals tally would only equal, and not eclipse, the record. At least when Phil Foden and Brahim Diaz came on, we knew they’d finally get their medals.
Sergio Aguero had won our first title on that very day six years prior with a goal in the fourth minute of stoppage time. Only a few seconds prior to that exact moment, and a few hundred miles away from the Etihad, Jesus scored against the Saints.
With it records fell. Most away wins, most League goals in a season and getting 100 points in one season. One of the best sides to win the Premier League? Based on the single season, absolutely. Going forward the side will need to go again, and go harder and stronger. Retaining the title is something which hasn’t been done for almost a decade, and European glory must follow to lift the Blues into the elite.