SIX GAMES THAT WENT A LONG WAY TO DECIDING THE TITLE

AUGUST 27

Manchester City 4

Crystal Palace 2

The first indications Manchester City had a goal machine in Erling Haaland came with his 19-minute hat-trick blitz turning a 0-2 deficit into a 4-2 win. Haaland’s goals – 36 in the league and 52 in all competitions – elevated City’s threat to new levels.

JANUARY 19

Manchester City 4

Tottenham 2

Pep Guardiola’s ‘Happy Flowers’ blast accusing the team, fans and club of becoming complacent came after a sloppy win against Tottenham. That sparked a run of 13 wins in their next 15 matches to rip the title from Arsenal’s grasp.

FEBRUARY 15

Manchester City 4

Arsenal 1

This was billed as the heavyweight title decider but Guardiola’s men simply blew the young pretenders away in a magnificent atmosphere at the Etihad. Kevin De Bruyne scored two, his first from an assist by Haaland after seven minutes, and with further goals coming from the Norwegian ace and John Stones they never looked back.

APRIL 1

Manchester City 4

Liverpool 1

With Arsenal looking for Jurgen Klopp’s men to do them a favour, City produced a statement victory. After Mohamed Salah had put the visitors in front, City blitzed their opponents with goals from Julian Alvarez, Ilkay Gundogan, Jack Grealish and Riyad Mahrez.

APRIL 21

Arsenal 3

Southampton 3

The third of three damaging draws in 12 days in April for Arsenal – Liverpool and West Ham were the other opponents – which saw Mikel Arteta’s side blow an eight-point lead and put the title back in City’s hands.

MAY 20

Nottingham Forest 1

Arsenal 0

The title gift-wrapped and delivered to City without them having to lift a finger.