Manchester City players Kyle Walker and Rodri celebrate winning the title at the Etihad Stadium as fans invade the pitch © Naomi Baker/Getty Images |
Manchester City Clinches Fourth Consecutive Premier League Title
Manchester City has made history by winning the English Premier League title for an unprecedented fourth consecutive year. Pep Guardiola’s expertly coached team, built with the substantial resources of Abu Dhabi, clinched the title with a hard-fought victory over West Ham. Second-placed Arsenal kept the pressure on City until the last moments of the season, but their 2-1 win over Everton was not enough to overtake the league leaders.
A Historic Achievement
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, bolstered by new talents like former West Ham midfielder Declan Rice, made a commendable title run. However, Guardiola can now claim one of the greatest achievements in English football. This fourth title is particularly sweet for City fans, especially since it surpasses the best run of three consecutive titles by Manchester United under Alex Ferguson.
Arsenal’s Close Call
Arsenal had hoped to secure their first league title since 2004 and become the first London team to win the top division since Chelsea in 2017. Despite the close race, Manchester City, the favorites, maintained their lead. The Premier League even prepared for the tight finish by sending trophies and medals to both teams’ grounds. City’s six titles in seven years, highlighted by a five-month unbeaten streak, have cemented local heroes like Phil Foden, JoÅ¡ko Gvardiol, and Rodri.
Dominance and Controversy
City’s dominance has raised questions about the league’s competitiveness, with many teams now focusing on securing European spots or mid-table finishes. Guardiola has defended City’s spending, pointing out that Manchester United, Chelsea, and Arsenal have also invested heavily in new players recently.
However, City’s achievements are overshadowed by 115 alleged breaches of financial rules over nine seasons, with a decision expected next year from an independent regulatory commission. These allegations include providing inaccurate financial information regarding player and manager payments. City has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Arsenal’s Takehiro Tomiyasu scores his side’s first goal in their 2-1 win against Everton at the Emirates Stadium © Mike Egerton/PA Wire |
Arsenal’s Strong Season
Despite City’s dominance, Arsenal’s strong form, driven by sustainable rebuilding efforts under US owner Stan Kroenke, deserves recognition. Their impressive performance this season, although not enough to claim the title, sets a solid foundation for the future.
European and Relegation Battles
Liverpool and Aston Villa secured Champions League places before the season's final weekend, while Tottenham Hotspur claimed a Europa League slot with a 3-0 win over Sheffield United. At the bottom
of the league, Luton Town, Sheffield United, and Burnley were relegated, highlighting the challenge
for smaller-budget clubs to compete with the league’s financial powerhouses.
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