MANCHESTER CITY have WON their SIXTH Premier League title after incredibly coming from 2-0 down to beat Aston Villa 3-2 at the Etihad.
Matty Cash STUNNED the blue side of Manchester with a strike against the run of play.
Which was then followed up by a sensational solo effort in the second half by former Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho.
But two goals from super-sub Ilkay Gundogan, and a pile-driver from Rodri fired Man City to becoming champions of England for a second successive time.
And that proved to be pivotal with Liverpool eventually easing past a Wolves side who squandered several opportunities.
Final day live results:
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Stay up to date with all the latest from around the grounds…
That’s a Raph
Romantic Raphinha rushed to hug his fiancee Taia Rodrigues after he helped Leeds United complete a great escape.
The Brazilian was on target as his team became the first side since Wigan in 2011 to survive after starting the final day in the bottom three.
He spotted his partner Taia right in the middle of the jubilant travelling supporters, and he pushed his way past stewards to race and give her a cuddle and a kiss.
European line up for next season
The Premier League’s involvement in Europe next season has been confirmed after a dramatic final day.
Tottenham joined title winners Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea in the Champions League.
But, unfortunately for Manchester United and Arsenal fans, they will be tuning in on Thursday nights instead.
For West Ham, who reached the Europa semis this season, they must settle for the Conference League.
Robin Olsen attack latest
Man City have apologised after Aston Villa goalkeeper Robin Olsen was attacked by fans after they invaded the pitch.
City supporters poured onto the Etihad turf after being crowned Premier League champions following a dramatic 3-2 win over Aston Villa.
City issued an apology in a statement which reads: “Manchester City would like to sincerely apologise to Aston Villa goalkeeper Robin Olsen, who was assaulted after the final whistle at today’s match when fans entered the pitch.
“The Club has launched an immediate investigation and once identified, the individual responsible will be issued with an indefinite stadium ban.”
Stevie slip
Man City fans mocked Steven Gerrard after his Aston Villa side slipped up to deny Liverpool the title.
Pep Guardiola’s side netted three times in FIVE wild minutes at the Etihad to come back from 2-0 down and claim the Premier League crown.
That meant Gerrard’s beloved Liverpool saw their Quadruple bid killed off in heartbreaking style, after they fought back to beat Wolves.
City also famously beat Liverpool to the league title in 2014 thanks, in part, to Gerrard’s infamous tumble in a 2-0 defeat to Chelsea.
Reminding the former Red of that incident, City fans gleefully sang: “Steve Gerrard, Gerrard, he slipped on his f**king arse.”
Golden Boot Race
Spurs ace Heung-min Son AND Liverpool’s Mo Salah end the season as the Premier League’s top scorers.
The Golden Boot trophy will be shared between the two of them, both on 23 goals.
- Heung-min Son (Tottenham) – 23 goals, Mo Salah (Liverpool) – 23 goals
- Cristiano Ronaldo (Man Utd) – 18 goals
- Harry Kane (Tottenham) – 16 goals
- Kevin De Bruyne (Man City) – 15 goals
- Diogo Jota (Liverpool) – 15 goals
Fernandinho farewell
Emotional scenes at the Etihad as captain Fernandinho is lifted high in the air by his Man City team-mates.
The Brazilian star, who joined City in 2013, is expected to move back to his homeland with his family.
Jack’s tears of joy
Manchester City’s £100m man Jack Grealish has admitted that his first season with the club was ‘harder than he thought’ but it has all been worth it for moments like today.
The former Aston Villa man had to watch on from the touchline as his new team came back from 2-0 down, but cried tears of joy when Ilkay Gundogan’s second goal completed the recovery that brought him a first trophy of his career.
It’s unbelievable. After the third goal went in, I ran on to the pitch to celebrate, and then I ran straight down the tunnel because I was crying my eyes out. When you’re a kid all you want to do is play in the Premier League. And once you play in the Premier League, the next thing you want to do is win the Premier League. I can’t put it into words.
Jack Grealish
Zinchenko gives Ukraine reason to cheer
An emotional Oleksandr Zinchenko has spoken of his pride at winning the Premier League title, and said that he hopes to share the moment with his countrymen once the war he come to an end.
The Man City left-back put a traumatic few months to one side to play a pivotal role in his side’s comeback, setting up Rodri for the equaliser after coming on as a half-time substitute.
It’s unforgettable for me, and for all Ukrainians which are starving, surviving in my country because of Russian aggression. I’m so proud to be Ukrainian. One day I’d love to take this Premier League title back home to Ukraine – they deserve it.
Oleksandr Zinchenko
Pep’s Guard of honour
Manchester City are Premier League champions for the fourth time in five seasons under Pep Guardiola.
Only Sir Alex Ferguson with 13 has won more Premier League titles than the Spaniard, who has now won the most top-flight titles of any non-British manager, going one clear of both Arsene Wenger and Jose Mourinho.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Guardiola labelled this title victory as the best yet.
“We are legends,” he said.
“When you win the Premier League four times in five seasons, it is because these guys are so special. We will be remembered.
“The first time with 100 points we won by a big margin, the second time at Brighton. The third last season without the people. Winning at home with the people? It’s the best.”
Salah and Son share the spoils
Mo Salah and Heung-Min Son have been handed a golden boot each at the end of their 90 minutes. Naturally, Son looked a little happier to receive his.
They have netted 23 a piece, with none of the South Korean’s coming from the penalty spot. Not bad for a couple of ‘wingers’.
.Credit: PA Here come the champions!
One by one, the Manchester City players are announced to the fans as they are invited up to collect the winners’ medals.
Special appreciation is reserved for Oleksandr Zinchenko, who has had a traumatic year; Jack Grealish, who has won the first major trophy of his career; Ilkay Gundogan, the two-goal hero; Phil Foden, one of their own; and Kevin De Bruyne, the best player in the league.
Last but by no means least is Fernandinho. On his last appearance for the club, the Brazilian steps up as captain and collects the trophy before joining his teammates on the podium.
One dramatic pause later, and Fernandinho lifts it to the sky. Fireworks and streamers explode, and a huge roar of victory – and relief – rings out around the Etihad.
The Premier League trophy awaits
The pitch has been cleared at the Etihad Stadium, the podium has been constructed, and the Premier League trophy has been brought out and will be presented by two young Manchester City fans – 16-year-old Ben Mason, who lost his sister to suicide, and 22-year-old Olivia Wardle, who has worked for City in the Community while battling cancer.
Pep Guardiola, his coaching staff, and his players, are now waiting in the tunnel to be re-introduced to the home fans.
Super Spurs
Any suggestion that Tottenham might bottle it on the final day has been firmly laid to rest this afternoon. They were emphatic, putting bottom-placed Norwich to the sword.
In a topsy-turvy season for Antonio Conte, the Italian has been rewarded with Champions League football.
.Credit: Reuters Hero Gundogan salutes Liverpool challenge
Ilkay Gundogan wrote his name into Manchester City folklore by coming off the bench to score two late goals as his side turned around a 2-0 deficit to beat Aston Villa 3-2 and win the Premier League title.
Afterwards, the German paid tribute to Liverpool and his former boss Jurgen Klopp for their fighting spirit.
“Liverpool played an incredible season. If they were there, I don’t think this league would have been that attractive,” said Gundogan.
“We pushed each other again to out limited. You need to appreciate what they have done.”
Leeds Marschterclass
Many had written Jesse Marsch off when he took over a struggling Leeds back in February, thinking they were destined for relegation. But the American has proved his critics wrong this afternoon, guiding his side to safety, in the most dramatic finish.
Leeds will be here next season, and undoubtedly, so will their manager.
.Credit: Reuters
Match stats from the Etihad
Pep Guardiola has sometimes come under scrutiny for not making any substitutions in games, but his changes had a great effect today.
Two goals from one sub, Ilkay Gundogan, plus assists from two others in Raheem Sterling and Oleksandr Zinchenko, ensured City came back to win the title in five crazy second half minutes.
Silverware on show at Anfield
Or should that be goldware?
There may not be a Premier League trophy to lift, but the Liverpool players are currently earning plaudits for a tremendous season.
Alisson has received the Golden Glove for keeping the most clean sheets while Mo Salah has won both the Golden Boot and the Playmaker award for the most assists this season.
Premier League final table – the bottom half
Leeds have done it. They’ve beaten the drop thanks to a stunning 2-1 win at Brentford.
Burnley are DOWN, and all that despite sacking Sean Dyche.
Newcastle just miss out on the top ten despite beating Burnley.
Premier League final table – the top half
Here is how things finished, with Manchester City crowned champions for a sixth time in the last 11 seasons.
Liverpool are just a point off AGAIN, as they were in 2018/19.
Chelsea and Tottenham make up the top four, Arsenal and Manchester United are into the Europa League.
United finished 35 points off the top and 13 points off the top four – what a horrendous season at Old Trafford.
Full time – Crystal Palace 1-0 Manchester United
United’s gloomy season comes to an end in a fitting manner.
Zaha came back to haunt his old club, but West Ham’s defeat to Brighton means Rangnick’s side finish in sixth.
Aguerooooooooooooooooo
“I swear you’ll never see anything like this ever again…”
Credit: @aguerosergiokun Twitter
Full time – Brentford 1-2 Leeds
Unbelievable scenes. Jesse Marsch and his army are celebrating in front of their traveling fans. What a day for them!
.Credit: Reuters Full time – Liverpool 3-1 Wolves
Liverpool win at Anfield, but it’s not enough.
Jurgen Klopp’s team have pushed Manchester City all the way, but they will have to settle for second place and – hopefully – three trophies.
Full time – Burnley 1-2 Newcastle
It’s all over at Turf Moor and Burnley are relegated.
The players slump to the floor. They gave it their all, but it wasn’t enough in the end.
.Credit: AFP Full time – Man City 3-2 Aston Villa
IT’S ALL OVER! MANCHESTER CITY ARE PREMIER LEAGUE CHAMPIONS!
The home fans swarm on to the pitch to celebrate with the players, they are absolutely delirious.
They said it could never happen again after 2012, but this is pretty damn close.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
