Thanks to the defeat of fellow townsman Manchester City, Manchester City can call itself the best of the Premier League for the third time in four years after Tuesday evening. Pep Guardiola’s team has a ten-point lead over the pursuers and can no longer be traced with three games to go. The Spanish coach calls the championship ‘the toughest of all’ and speaks of a unique season. The Daily Mail draws up the balance on the basis of individual report grades.
In the eyes of the British newspaper, Rúben Dias, Ilkay Gündogan and Kevin De Bruyne have had the largest share in City’s seventh league title. The trio gets a nine as a mark over the past season. “Dias has reformed City’s defense. A real leader who could just be named player of the year,” he said. “When Kevin De Bruyne plays well, very City plays well. A very strong season for the Belgian, in which he once again reached magical heights.” Gundogan is the club’s top scorer this season with twelve goals and is likely to keep that title, as Raheem Sterling follows at a respectable distance with ten hits.
Supporting roles were made according to the Daily Mail fulfilled by Sergio Agüero and Benjamin Mendy, who do not get off very well with a six. “Aguëro underwent a very painful farewell campaign,” the newspaper refers to the departure of the Argentinian striker. “It has been a painful last season at Etihad Stadium, never fully recovering from his prolonged injury.” Nathan Aké, who was in the starting line-up eight times and was allowed to come in once this season, also has to settle for a six. “Many injuries and the resurrection of John Stones have made Aké’s season a frustrating debut year.”
About a hundred fans went to the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday evening to celebrate their club’s national title. They lit fireworks and drank champagne. “It has been such a difficult year for so many people. This one is really for our fans and for Colin Bell and his whole family,” said Guardiola. Bell, who passed away in January at the age of 74, is considered one of the greatest players ever in club history. The former midfielder made 394 appearances in City’s shirt between 1966 and 1979 and was given a grandstand at the Etihad named after him. Bell was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2005.
“At the start of every season, the Premier League is the most important title for us,” Guardiola continued. “That is what you set yourself up for every three days and must be there to play your opponents away from home and away. Only by being the very best week after week can you win this title. This season and this title is unlike any other. This was the hardest of all. To get through this season – with all the limitations and difficulties we have faced – and show the consistency we have is remarkable. “
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer also paid attention to City’s title. The manager of United, who on Tuesday-evening lost 1-2 against Leicester City and thus introduced the national championship of the city rivals, handed out his congratulations to the arch-rival. He immediately warned that his team will make another shot for the title in the Premier League next year. “My congratulations go to Manchester City for winning the league. A very worthy champion. They have raised the bar again. It is up to us to go over that next season and take the next step.”
Captain Fernandinho speaks of a dream come true. “Winning the Premier League title is the ultimate fulfillment of our ambitions. It is what we all dreamed of as young players. When we succeed, it feels great. It was a privilege to be the captain of this team.” team. The team has done their best all season, both in training and in competitions. The teamwork was great. ” City will close the season against Newcastle United, Brighton and Hove Albion and Everton, before the Champions League final will be played against Chelsea on 19 May.