After one of the most thrilling title races in living memory, Manchester City have been crowned Premier League champions. It was a comfortable 4-1 win over Brighton in the end, but it looked a little uncertain there for just a moment.
Glenn Murray gave the home side the most unlikely of leads in the opening half, and Liverpool fans began to dream that their title dreams just might be on. It did not last long however, with Sergio Aguero levelling the scores just 90 seconds later.
Once Aymeric Laporte gave City the lead, there was never any doubt that the Premier League trophy was going to return to Manchester.
The season was never really going to end on any other way than with these two teams winning on the final day. They have been relentless, matching each other stride for stride.
Speaking after the trophy presentation, Pep Guardiola could only thank Liverpool for pushing City all the way, saying his side's level of performance this season would not have been possible without the pressure from Jurgen Klopp's men.
"Liverpool have helped us to be consistent"
Pep Guardiola reacts to #MCFC's back-to-back Premier League title's
More: https://t.co/TzkXCP0tJe pic.twitter.com/CgKrotHIwI— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 12, 2019
We worked a lot. We have to say congratulations to Liverpool as well, and say thank you so much because they helped us to push and increase our standards from last season. Competing against that team, we do what we should have done.
It's incredible, 198 points. We started two seasons ago here, and we finish in the same stadium, to go back-to-back is an incredible season for us.
I think last season Manchester City made the standard higher, so that is the level of the Premier League. Liverpool helped us to be there all the time, so to win the title you had to win 14 games in a row...
We knew for three months that we could not lose one point, and we did it playing all competitions until the end, except the semi final and final of the Champions League.
It's incredible to do it after 100 points, because normally you have the tendency to to down. Liverpool helped us be there this season.
City were incredible over the final third of the season, and are fully deserving of a second title on the trot. They will enter next season hoping to improve their Champions League showing, while a third consecutive title will no doubt also be on their mind. They will know that Liverpool will also have revenge on their minds, however.
These are two sides that look built to last, meaning such title races could become the norm over the next few weeks. We can only hope...
