City fans celebrate title, Wenger’s farewell starts with win
MANCHESTER CITY’S jubilant fans ran on to the field in their thousands, singing and dancing as the English Premier League (EPL) champions’ title celebrations exploded into life at Etihad Stadium.
The mood was more muted at Emirates Stadium at the start of Arsene Wenger’s long goodbye to Arsenal.
City and Arsenal enjoyed big home wins in the league amid contrasting atmospheres yesterday, a clear signal of the state the two clubs find themselves in with three weeks left of the season.
A 5-0 win over Swansea was the latest masterclass delivered by City, which have turned to chasing records after clinching the title in recordequalling time last weekend. There was a party feel throughout the game and, after the final whistle, City fans stormed the field and mobbed players in a good-natured celebration.
Hours earlier, Wenger had stepped on to Arsenal’s pitch before kick-off against West Ham, two days after announcing he would be leaving the London club after 22 years as manager. There was no acknowledgement of the 68year-old Frenchman from the stadium announcer and fans only chanted about him in response to taunts from West Ham supporters.
Arsenal, languishing in sixth place and 33 points behind City, ran out 4-1 winners in Wenger’s third-to-last home match in charge.
Another team celebrating was Chelsea, which beat Southampton 2-0 at Wembley Stadium to reach the FA Cup final. The team will return to the national stadium next month to play Manchester United, which beat Tottenham on Saturday.
In the other match yesterday, Stoke City drew 1-1 at home to Burnley in the EPL and are now four points from safety with three games remaining.