Etihad Defended
The 19th of May 2024, will go down as one of the most coveted days in the history of the English Premier League. Manchester City defended their Title at the Etihad Stadium in East Manchester, their home ground and recorded their 4th consecutive championship success, a feat unparalleled in the history of the Premier League. Their 6th title in 7 years speaks volumes about their domination of English Football and how good they have been on the field. Pep Guardiola, their manager since 2018, the man with a Midas touch, has been credited for this unprecedented and sensational turnaround of the 144 year old Club.
It Was A Three Way Dead Heat
The 23-24 season, was not going all City’s way. Arsenal were playing brilliant football and led the standings for a major part of the competition, before Liverpool made a strong surge for the title and it so appeared that the Reds might clinch the Championship this year. Manchester City were not holding the pole position but were always close to the leaders, and going into the final 6 games it eventually became a three way dead heat between Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City.
Liverpool Cracked, Arsenal Slipped & City Emerged
Liverpool were the first to crack and lost steam dramatically when the title was in sight. They lost to Crystal Palace (0-1) and Everton (0-2) which dealt a deathly blow to their chances. Though Arsenal stood steadfast, their loss to Aston Villa (0-2) pegged them back and gave the much needed life line to Manchester City, who then did not look back. They raised their game when it mattered most, went on a winning spree, winning 9 games on the trot and pipped Arsenal by 2 points to win the Title on the last day of the season.
A Lesson in Perseverance
Post a treble of silverware last year, an incredible high for Manchester City, the 23-24 season saw a sedate start for the champions and though Arsenal and Liverpool hogged most of the limelight, City remained consistent with their performances. They had several injury challenges too. Kevin de Bruyne, the midfield legend, did not play for most of the season and their charismatic striker Erling Haaland too had injury issues which kept him out of a few games. But still Manchester City persevered and still Erling Haaland ( 27 goals ) became the highest goal scorer in the Championship, a repeat of last year. Not having the limelight on themselves actually helped. Developing young players like Phil Foden and Gvardiol and helping them reach their potential, also has been critical to the success of City this season.
Incredible Stats
After such a monumentous year last year, to gather motivation to keep going at the same pace was not easy either. Kudos to the management of Manchester City, who kept their players motivated and focused on the job at hand. The stats say it all. With 38 games in the League, Manchester City won 28 games, drew 7 and lost only 3 games, scoring 96 goals in all. Astonishing facts these, which go on to show the kind of professionalism and hunger for success the blues had. Arsenal won 28 games too, but lost 5 games and went down by 2 points.
Mental Fortitude
It is truly amazing, how a team has been so consistent over a period of 7 years. There is undoubtedly a big management lesson in this. Not only have the skills of the players been enhanced, their mental fortitude has been astonishing , leave alone the strategic guile of Pep Guardiola, arguably the finest Football Manager in the World today.
FA Cup Beckons
City have a chance to add one more silverware this year as they meet Manchester United in the FA Cup final on 25th May, to be held at Wembley. A terrific contest is in the offing.
Finally, it has to be said, that, ‘Winning is a habit’ and Manchester City is in no mood to let it go. The Blue Moon is just refusing to go down.
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