Fantastic Foden Charges City to History-Making Title
Manchester City has become the first side in English football history to be crowned champions in four consecutive seasons. Pep Guardiola’s history makers secured their eighth Premier League (PL) title by overcoming West Ham United at the Etihad Stadium.
Top on the final day for the fifth time in six seasons, City are familiar with this scenario. However, memories of their final day rollercoaster ride against Aston Villa two years ago would remind fans of the difficulties of these matches. The masterful Phil Foden quickly calmed the nerves on a gorgeous Manchester afternoon, putting the champions ahead inside 80 seconds. The newly-crowned PL Player of the Season turned away from James Ward-Prowse, opened his body up, and rifled a sumptuous strike into the far corner, sparking delirium in the stands.
While it may have been David Moyes’ farewell as West Ham boss, the traveling supporters were treated to a stark reminder of why the Scotsman has never beaten Guardiola in a league meeting. City were utterly dominant before the break, with Alphonse Areola making several saves, though even he was unable to prevent Foden from doubling the hosts’ advantage. Jérémy Doku, a constant livewire throughout the opening exchanges, bisected four defenders with an inch-perfect cutback that found the England superstar, who made no mistake in sweeping home.
City’s procession perhaps brought with it a whiff of complacency, and to the shock of the home faithful, West Ham set pulses racing by halving the deficit before the break. Mohammed Kudus was the man to get it and in some style, teeing the ball up to unleash a ferocious bicycle kick that stands out as a late goal of the season contender. This incited the rage of Guardiola, whose men really ought to have been further ahead, with Erling Haaland in particular guilty of missing big chances before the interval.
Following the restart, City struggled to regain their early momentum as they sought to re-establish a two-goal lead. Tension hung in the air until just shy of the hour mark, Rodri quelled the nerves. A sweetly struck low drive from the Spaniard, playing in his 50th consecutive league match without defeat, wrong-footed the unsighted Areola as Guardiola’s men edged ever nearer the title. A subdued atmosphere around the Etihad indicated the unwillingness of the City support to count their eggs before they’d hatched, though their side’s trademark dominance of possession meant any further scares were not forthcoming.
Guardiola’s men have made another piece of history and now turn their attention to a Manchester derby in the FA Cup final as they look to secure a second successive double.
