Manchester City were down 2-0 against Aston Villa with the Premier League title on the line before three goals in the span of five minutes changed the momentum to ensure the club its fourth league title in the last five years.
“These guys are legends already,” City manager Pep Guardiola said after winning the league trophy. “I’m sorry but people have to admit it. This group of players is eternal in this club because what we have achieved, it is so difficult to do it.”
Matthew Cash (37′) and Philippe Coutinho (69′) put Villa in a commanding position before some changes to the lineup on Guardiola’s side. Ilkay Gündogan changed the match completed with his pace (76′, 81′) with Rodri adding to the momentum in between (78′).
City came from being down two goals to winning a Premier League match for the first time since February 2005.
Guardiola has now won more Premier League titles than Jose Mourinho and Arsene Wenger. Only Sir Alex Ferguson has more PL titles.
City have won their sixth Premier League title overall.
“Ilkay and Zinchenko changed the game and that’s why they came on,” Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne said on what happened in the second half.
In his 13 seasons as a manager, Guardiola has won 10 league titles from Spain to Germany to England.
“I called Real Madrid and they gave me good advice,” Guardiola on City’s three goals in five minutes. “No explanation Madrid, no explanation today. It’s momentum. Sometimes it’s nice to live these kind of situations. I have the feeling it will help us to be stronger for next season.”
City dominated the possession battle 71-29, and had 24 shots overall compared to just four for Villa. City had just five shots on goal out of the 24.
“I’m sure they’re feeling the frustration just like myself but what I can assure them is we’ll come back better and stronger,” Liverpool legend and current Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard said. “We’ll work tirelessly in the background to strengthen this team and this squad.”
Manchester City now head into next season as champions, only looking to get better given the addition of Erling Haaland.
“Hopefully tomorrow we can celebrate in the Manchester streets with our cigars and beers,” Guardiola said grinning.
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