Manchester City have romped their way to their third successive Premier League title victory in this final stretch of the season. City were declared as the champions when Arsenal suffered a 1-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest.
The Sky Blues were given a guard of honor by Chelsea before the game kicked off. Despite it being a high-profile fixture, Pep Guardiola decided to rest his preferred XI and give the others waiting in the ranks a chance to be a part of the club's history and go down as the XI that entered the pitch as champions.
Manchester City were a long way off Arsenal in the title race at the start of 2023 but the Gunners' inconsistent form and City's dominance ensured that it all boiled down to a single shootout between the two sides. Guardiola's side pummeled Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium by a 4-1 margin and took control of the title race. Since then, they have not looked back and are now the champions. Their 12-game winning streak has ensured that they are clear of Arsenal by seven points at the top, with a game in hand.
One of the main reasons why City are enjoying such a dominant season is the form of Erling Braut Haaland. The former Borussia Dortmund striker has scored 36 times in the Premier League this season. That is a record and he has surpassed Alan Shearer and Andy Cole, who formerly held the joint record for the most goals in a single PL season (34).
Haaland was hardly used in the game against Chelsea. The 22-year-old was brought on in the 74th minute, with Julian Alvarez playing as the striker. While Haaland failed to score in the limited time he spent on the pitch, Jim Beglin heaped praise on him during City's title celebrations.
With his big stature and long strides, many doubted whether Haaland would be a good fit for a system that relies on close spaces and short passes. But, it is quite evident that the Norway international has proved his doubters wrong.
Speaking about Haaland, Jim Beglin, on Hotstar, said:
There were doubts on whether he would fit in this team before the start of the season. It has all been blown away.
He is very much the main man.
Beglin also disclosed why Pep Guardiola has been so successful. Beglin said that Guardiola has people in his environment who question him and are not "yes" men. This is what has helped the former Barcelona manager ascend to the top, even during his stints with FC Barcelona and Bayern Munich. Speaking about Guardiola, Beglin, on Hotstar, said:
Pep does not have yes men. Yes he has incredible support but he has people who question him. That has helped him over the years at Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
Manchester City have now secured the PL title and are well and truly on course to completing a treble for the first time in their history. Finals against Manchester United (FA Cup), and Inter Milan (UEFA Champions League) await Guardiola's side.
Head back to Sporticos for more Sports Stream News.
