EPL Index
·19 de maio de 2024
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·19 de maio de 2024
Manchester City secured the 2023/24 Premier League title in style on Sunday with a 3-1 victory over West Ham United. The reigning champions displayed their prowess early on, with Phil Foden’s brace establishing a commanding lead within the first 20 minutes. Although Mohammed Kudus’s spectacular overhead kick briefly narrowed the gap, Rodri’s second-half strike cemented City’s two-goal advantage and ultimately their title win.
City’s decisive midweek win at Tottenham Hotspur was crucial, propelling them into the lead heading into Gameweek 38. Arsenal, their closest rivals, faced a challenging match against Everton. Despite Idrissa Gana Gueye giving Everton the lead, Takehiro Tomiyasu equalised, and Kai Havertz netted an 89th-minute winner for the Gunners. However, this was insufficient to surpass City at the summit.
This triumph marks City’s tenth English title and their eighth Premier League crown. Impressively, they are the first team to win the league four consecutive times, dominating six of the last seven seasons.
Photo: IMAGO
The 2022/23 treble winners began their title defence with an impressive six-match winning streak, only to suffer a setback with a loss to Wolves in late September. The early-season injury to key playmaker Kevin De Bruyne further challenged their campaign, sidelining him until early January.
A late October defeat to Arsenal saw City relinquish the top spot, and they even fell behind Aston Villa as Arsenal and Liverpool vied for first place. A four-game winless run from November to December, including a loss at Villa Park, seemed to hand the advantage to their rivals. Yet, City remained unbeaten from then on, drawing only four matches and winning the rest, rejuvenated by De Bruyne’s return to fitness.
City’s involvement in multiple competitions meant they trailed Arsenal in games played for much of the season. Nonetheless, the added pressure did not faze the champions, who stormed to the title with nine consecutive victories in the final stretch.
Erling Haaland, despite facing criticism during his second season at the Etihad, played a pivotal role, netting 27 league goals. Phil Foden, too, enjoyed a standout season, earning individual accolades for his performances.
Kevin De Bruyne, despite his injury troubles, still managed to achieve a double-digit assist tally. Summer signings Josko Gvardiol, Mateo Kovacic, and Jeremy Doku made significant contributions, with Matheus Nunes also showing potential in his more subdued role.
Manchester City’s 2023/24 Premier League victory underscores their dominance and resilience. As they look to continue their success, the blend of seasoned stars and new talents positions them favourably for future challenges. The champions have set a high bar, and the Premier League will watch keenly as they aim to defend their crown once more.