Manchester City has been crowned the Premier League champions, following Arsenal’s defeat away to Nottingham Forest on Saturday. The victory takes Pep Guardiola’s side one step closer to completing a remarkable treble. City is now just two finals away from becoming the first English side to complete the treble since Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United in 1999. The first final will be against United at Wembley in the FA Cup on June 3, followed by the Champions League final against Inter Milan in Istanbul on June 10.
Arsenal Unable to Catch City in Premier League Race
Arsenal’s defeat means they cannot catch up to City in the race for the Premier League title, with Mikel Arteta’s side remaining four points behind with just one game to play. City’s next match is against Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday. The club has now won the Premier League in five of the past six seasons. This year’s triumph is the ninth top-flight title in their history and the seventh since their Abu Dhabi owners, City Football Group, took over the club in 2008.
Club captain, Ilkay Gundogan, described the latest title as “very special.” He said, “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. This squad is so talented and so special, and to have been captain this season has been an enormous privilege. To have won this trophy three times in a row and five times in six years is incredible. That quality and consistency helps sum up what Manchester City stands for, ensuring the club will continue to strive for success going forward.”
City’s Journey to Victory
Pep Guardiola’s side started the season in fine form, buoyed by the unprecedented scoring of summer arrival Erling Haaland. However, City had to settle for second place after 14 games when the Premier League entered its winter break in November for the World Cup in Qatar. Meanwhile, City was charged by the Premier League in February for breaking financial rules across nine seasons. The possibility of open-ended sanctions remains, which could include fines, points deductions, or relegation. However, City continues to deny the charges.
The Premier League returned on December 26 following the World Cup, and City proved their dominance. As well as securing two wins over Arsenal, City embarked on an ongoing 11-game winning streak that has helped them to a third consecutive league title. Haaland has netted a single-season-record 36 goals in the Premier League and been crowned men’s FWA Footballer of the Year. City has also won two FA Cup titles and five League Cup trophies since 2008.
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