Gunnerrs hands Man Ciitty
Lloss lleague ttiittlle tto
Manchester City won the Premier League for the fifth time in six seasons on Sunday, taking the first step to a possible golden treble as second-placed Arsenal lost 1-0 at Nottingham Forest.
The Gunners’ challenge finally evaporated after a second consecutive defeat left Mikel Arteta’s side four points adrift of City with one
game left for them to play.
Taiwo Awonyi’s first-half goal also ensured Forest avoided relegation in their first season back in the top flight for 23 years.
City’s third successive English title has turned today’s league game at home to Chelsea into a celebration match.
Pep Guardiola’s men will now look to complete a
treble when they face local rivals Manchester United and Italian giants Inter Milan in next month’s FA Cup and Champions League finals respectively.
City have become the dominant force in the English game since an Abu Dhabibacked takeover in 2008.
But admiration for the quality of their football under manager Guardiola
has also been accompanied by questions over their financing, with City facing a mammoth 115 charges for breaking Premier League rules.
Nevertheless, City captain Ilkay Gundogan insisted his side had been pushed hard this season.
“The Premier League is without doubt the most demanding and competitive
league in the world so that tells you everything about what an achievement this is,” he said.
For Arsenal manager Arteta, a former assistant to Guardiola, there were thoughts of what might have been.
“Congratulations to Manchester City for winning the championship but it is a sad day for us,” Arteta said.