Manchester City got the job done on the final day to win their fourth successive Premier League.
The champions knew that anything but a win would put their crown under threat by Arsenal, who beat Everton at the Emirates.
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Phil Foden scored a quickfire brace to put his side in the driving seat early on and City continued in their dominant style of play.
But West Ham grabbed one back on the stroke of half-time.
Mohammed Kudus scored a magnificent overhead kick to half the deficit and stun the Etihad crowd.
However, the pressure was short-lived as Rodri scored a third in the second half.
It was plain sailing from there as City wrapped the title up in style.
FOUR-IN-A-ROW!!!!
We’re @premierleague champions 🏆🏆🏆🏆 pic.twitter.com/blRyxjPqJB
— Manchester City (@ManCity) May 19, 2024
📰 Table Of Contents
How it happened
It did not take long for City to set about their business. 79 seconds was all it took for Foden to break the deadlock at the Etihad Stadium.
The England international found space on the edge of the box after Bernardo Silva provided the pass and unleashed an incredible effort that curled into the side netting, leaving West Ham goalkeeper Areola with no chance.
City did not let up after grabbing the opener.
The chances continued to come with Erling Haaland missing a hat-trick of easy chances across the first half.
His blushes were somewhat spared by Foden who had a second on the 18-minute mark.
This time it was Jeremy Doku who provided the assist, beating his man on the far side and firing between a tight gap for Foden to fire home first time.
It could have been 3-0, 4-0 or even 5-0 with the opportunities that fell the home side’s way but they did not take them, and it cost.
West Ham hit back just before half-time through a spectacular goal from Mohammed Kudus.
The Hammers midfielder smashed an overhead kick in from a corner to half the deficit and completely change the mood around the stadium as the players heading in for the break.
Despite a nervy atmosphere lurking at the Etihad, City tapped into their expertise in the second half.
West Ham registered one shot following Kudus’ goal and Guardiola’s dominant City restored their two-goal lead after 59 minutes.
RODRIGOAL 💪
🩵 3-1 ⚒️ #ManCity pic.twitter.com/D5H5nueqw6
— Manchester City (@ManCity) May 19, 2024
Rodri was teed up and delivered a trademark finish in yet another massive moment for the Spanish midfielder.
He squeezed his effort past the goalkeeper and celebrated with the City fans, who were now on the verge of an unprecedented fourth title in a row.
West Ham offered little in terms of response during the remaining 30 minutes of the match.
Tomas Soucek briefly silenced the stadium when he scored from a corner but it was ruled out for an obvious handball.
As they always do, City held their nerve until the end and will be partying for days to come as they celebrate even more success.
Champions again
Guardiola has proved once again that he is one of the world’s best-ever coaches but he was taken all the way this season by Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta’s men would have been worthy champions and they can hold their heads high knowing they recorded their most wins ever in a Premier League season.
For City, the season is not over just yet.
They have a showdown with rivals Manchester United in the FA Cup final at Wembley next week.
Such is his relentless nature, Guardiola will be doing everything in his power to ensure his side bring home the double.
