A TREBLE?
City became the first side to retain its PL title since their bitter rivals Manchester United managed the feat in 2009 – they are now on course for the first domestic treble in the history of English football
The Premier League title race was down to the last day with a solitary point separating Guardiola's Manchester City and Jürgen Klopp's Liverpool. Refusing to bow down, both sides went toe-to-toe, but no twist on Matchday 38 meant that Manchester City retained the title after defeating Brighton 4-1 at the Amex Stadium, last Sunday.
Liverpool drew first blood on Sunday, with Sadio Mane striking in the 17th minute to put them mathematically atop the table and on course for their first English top-flight title since 1990, before the Premier League era even started. But those cheers were quickly muted, with Guardiola's side level just 83 seconds later, Sergio Agüero staying onside and keeping his cool to finish after a brilliant ball from David Silva.
Since Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United winning the title back-to-back in 2009, City becomes the first team to win consecutive Premier League titles in the last decade. Moreover, their tally of 98 points is the second best haul in the league's history – 2 points shy of the 100 points Pep Guardiola's men accrued last year. Their campaign concluded on a high with a 14 match undefeated streak – last losing points against Newcastle United on January 29.
Jürgen Klopp, Liverpool manager, was in all-praise of City. He stated, "In the last two years, they have put together 198 points. We helped you a little bit by pushing you there, but really, all my respects, you deserved it."
Speaking on the title run with Liverpool, Guardiola said, "We have to say congratulations to Liverpool and thank you so much – they pushed us to increase our standards. It's incredible, 98 points, to go back to back. It's the toughest title we have won in all my career, by far."
The Spanish manager has won eight top flight titles in the past decade with stints at Barcelona, Bayern Munich and now City. Having been knocked out of the Champions League in a pulsating quarterfinal clash with the Spurs, the Citizens could become the first team to win the domestic treble in England if they emerge victorious against Watford in the FA Cup summit clash, having already won the Premier League and League Cup this season.
(The analysis has been made ahead of the FA Cup final between City & Watford)
