Character and different class to win the title
By James Fudge
Manchester City love the drama when it comes down to the final day and the Premier League title is on the line, but somehow, they always get the job done.
That football theatre has not favoured them in Europe, however, it has always landed on their side when competing domestically. Characteristics that lead to repetitive success.
Fernandinho and co graced the podium to collect the trophy, a sign that has epitomized the new era which has been dominated by money talk but heart, character and courage has been known to expect days like these. But it could have been all so different.
It looked like the title was going to Merseyside as City were trailing 2-0 to Aston Villa after 70 minutes and Liverpool drawing 1-1 against Wolves and knocking on the door for their winner, however character and superb substitutions turned that tale on its head.
Pep Guardiola chose to bring on Raheem Sterling, Oleksandr Zinchenko and İlkay Gündoğan during the second half with the latter two changing the game. The choices that make him regarded as one of the best coaches in the world although it is often overlooked with an emphasis on his playing style.
Want your voice heard? Join the Man City Square team!
A gamble as City looked frayed and out of ideas to turn the game around with 76 minutes on the clock, fans biting fingernails and a stadium in angst.
Gündoğan entered the frame in the 68th minute at the cost of the favoured attacking option, Jack Grealish, who was overjoyed with the final result. The German began the fightback with a towering header after an inch-perfect cross from another replacement, Sterling. The Spaniard then slotted into the corner from outside the box, before it was left for Kevin De Bruyne to find the former Borussia Dortmund star to tap in the winner. The Ukrainian playing his part in the second goal and changing the game following the half-time switch.
That character on the final hurdle was also evidenced away to Chelsea, Arsenal, Everton and Liverpool, a tough October and the European nights in Madrid. There is a countless number of situations that can also be proved in previous seasons where the Citizens have won four out of the last five league titles.
Next. The reaction to city being crowned Premier League champions. dark
Decisions of a great manager can be seen also in those years with this side compared to the greatest side of the 90/00’s which were dressed in Manchester’s red. Sir Alex Ferguson was seen to be the catalyst of those winning years with United not winning a title since his departure, a further assessment that City will not want to lose their main man come the end of his contract.