Manchester City secured an unprecedented fourth consecutive English top-flight title with a decisive 3-1 victory over West Ham United on Sunday, edging out rivals Arsenal on the final day of a thrilling Premier League season. The win sparked joyous celebrations at the Etihad Stadium, with fans pouring onto the pitch in a sea of blue.
Phil Foden, the league’s player of the season, set the tone early with two brilliant goals that created a party atmosphere in the Manchester sunshine. Despite a momentary scare from a stunning bicycle kick by West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus before halftime, City maintained their composure. Rodri’s precise low shot from outside the area just before the hour mark secured the points for Pep Guardiola’s side, marking their sixth title in seven years.
City now turn their attention to the possibility of a domestic double as they prepare to face Manchester United in the FA Cup final next Saturday.
The ecstatic crowd sang “Champions again!” and taunted their rivals with chants of “Are you watching Arsenal?” before invading the pitch and setting off blue flares when the final whistle blew. In one of the closest title races in recent memory, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal had put up a strong fight and could have clinched the title if City had faltered. However, their 2-1 victory over Everton was not enough, leaving them two points shy.
After trailing both Liverpool and Arsenal for much of the season, City’s trademark strong finish saw them win their last nine league matches. This resilience followed their crushing Champions League quarter-final defeat to Real Madrid on penalties. Last year, City achieved a historic treble by winning the Champions League, FA Cup, and Premier League.
Guardiola, donning a City top and waving to fans, joined the players in receiving their medals, sharing the moment with jubilant supporters. “It feels as amazing as the first one,” said midfielder Kevin De Bruyne. “We worked so hard for it. It’s been a top battle with Arsenal and Liverpool this year. To again be doing something historic is amazing… This is one of my most special. I had a tough year, to be out for six months, but to come back.”
Bernardo Silva echoed this sentiment: “The achievement is unbelievable. Four in a row. We’re so, so proud, and so, so happy.”
Guardiola’s triumph places him among the greats, becoming the fourth manager to win six or more English top-flight titles, alongside Alex Ferguson (13), George Ramsay, and Bob Paisley (both six).
Despite City’s on-field success, their dominance is viewed with skepticism by some due to ongoing Premier League charges over alleged financial misconduct under the ownership of billionaire Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan. City vehemently deny any wrongdoing and are contesting the charges.
As the celebrations continue, Manchester City fans relish another victorious season while looking ahead to the potential for more silverware in the FA Cup final.
