Manchester City Clinch Fourth Consecutive Premier League Title
With just a momentary setback, it was an otherwise perfect day for Manchester City as they defeated West Ham 3-1 to seal a quite incredible fourth successive Premier League title in front of their fans at the Etihad Stadium. There was briefly some anxiety for Pep Guardiola when the hosts' lead was reduced to 2-1 after an early Phil Foden double, but Rodri made sure with a third on the hour.
Phil Foden hit a glorious first-half double as Manchester City outclassed West Ham 3-1 on a frantic final day of the season to become the first club in history to claim four successive Premier League titles.
After winning 2-0 at Tottenham on Tuesday, Pep Guardiola's side held a crucial two-point lead over Arsenal and knew a win at a sun-kissed Etihad on Sunday would see them wrap up a sixth English crown under the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich coach.
England midfielder Foden showed why he was voted Premier League player of the season with two magical finishes (2' and 18') to ease the tension inside the opening 20 minutes.
But they could not find a rapid third goal despite swarming all over the visitors as Mohammed Kudus produced a stunning overhead kick (42') to give the under-siege Hammers – who finished their season ninth in David Moyes' final match as manager – unlikely hope.
That was quickly snuffed out when Rodri slammed the vital third into the net from 18 yards on 59 minutes to prompt wild scenes of celebration from Guardiola, his coaching staff and the home fans.
They win their latest title by two points with Mikel Arteta’s second-placed Arsenal finishing their outstanding season with a 2-1 win over Everton at the Emirates.
Only former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson – 13 between 1993 and 2013 – has claimed more Premier League trophies than Guardiola at City.
City will bid to complete the traditional domestic double when they face rivals United in the FA Cup final at Wembley on Saturday a year after their 2-1 win over their city foes in the showpiece match.
TALKING POINT: RODRI SUMS UP CITY'S SEASON OF DOMINANCE
Like Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, Pep Guardiola is building a dynasty as much as dominance as Manchester City manager. Their ongoing success at the elite level of the English game is perhaps best summed up by the rampaging Spain midfielder Rodri, who scored his all-conquering side's third goal to ensure he astonishingly ended his season unbeaten in the Premier League. He won 27 matches and drew seven with City losing three times when he wasn't in the team.
Rodri last tasted defeat in the Premier League 50 matches ago. When Rodri plays, City tend not to lose. And when he plays well alongside Foden, Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva, there are a few teams in the world game who can live with such a formidable sporting force of nature.
PLAYER OF THE MATCH: PHIL FODEN (MANCHESTER CITY)
Difficult to believe the world-class England playmaker is still only 23 such is the level of authority and maturity he displays for City at the heart of their midfield. He finishes a quite magnificent campaign with 19 goals and eight assists after knocking the stuffing out of West Ham with two majestic finishes on a wonderful day for his club.
He has now won a remarkable six Premier League titles at City, and there appears plenty more in the tank if his level of desire remains the same. "I never get bored with it [winning trophies]," he said. "There is no better feeling than winning something."
Arsenal meanwhile missed out on the Premier League title despite a 2-1 win over Everton on the final day of the season. The Gunners got the result they needed as they came from behind to beat the Toffees, with Kai Havertz netting a late winner. However, they were pipped to the top spot by Manchester City, who ran out 3-1 victors against West Ham. Arsenal finished on 89 points, two behind City.
A controversial last-minute winner from Kai Havertz secured victory for Arsenal over Everton, but it proved not enough to win them the title with Manchester City also victorious against West Ham.
Referee Michael Oliver went to the sideline to view the ball striking Gabriel Jesus' arm in the lead-up to Havertz's close-range strike. Still, the goal was allowed to stand unusually because the arm was against the Brazilian's side.
Arsenal ended the campaign on 89 points, two behind City on 91.
END OF THE SEASON AWARDS
Player of the Season - Phil Foden (Manchester City)
Young Player of the Season - Cole Palmer (Chelsea)
Highest goal scorer - Erling Halaand (Manchester City)
Playmaker of the Season - Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)
Golden glove - David Raya (Arsenal)
