da fezbet： City's two outstanding players of the season saved their best for the last game to wrap up yet another league crown
da realbet： Even before the final day of the season, Manchester City's Premier League title bud had been built upon the backs of Rodri and Phil Foden more than anyone else. So it was fitting that the two midfielders should have the final say and fire Pep Guardiola's side to a record-breaking fourth successive domestic crown, something that had never previously been achieved in 135 years of English football.
Guardiola had insisted West Ham would put up a fight and envisaged a similarly angsty game to when his side went 2-0 down to Aston Villa on the final day in 2022 before rallying to win. But there were very few signs of nerves when City steamed into the lead after 79 seconds, Foden whipping the ball into the far corner with his left foot from distance for the sort of goal he has been scoring all season.
Guardiola's side had total dominance and it was only a matter of time before they got their second, with Jeremy Doku being denied and Rodri missing the target. But Foden duly delivered again, side-footing home a Doku cross in the 18th minute.
Erling Haaland missed two sitters which should have put the game out of sight and then shortly before half-time, out of nowhere, Mohammed Kudus conjured a stunning bicycle kick to reduce the deficit. There were visible nerves around the ground, but Rodri soon settled them early in the second half by scoring a third goal with a daisy-cutter from outside the box.
The party was then able to truly start, as the City fans did the Poznan and the chants of 'Champions Again' got louder and louder.
GOAL rates Man City's players from the Etihad Stadium…
Goalkeeper & Defence
Stefan Ortega (6/10):
Rarely saw the ball, with his fingers or feet, save for picking out Kudus' screamer. But it always felt like the goal was in safe hands.
Kyle Walker (6/10):
Led by example in defence, making an early block to halt a rare visitors' attack and kicking on from then.
Manuel Akanji (5/10):
A bit too casual in possession and was the first to be taken off.
Ruben Dias (6/10):
Kept Antonio quiet and helped the attack out by stepping in.
Josko Gvardiol (7/10):
No goals this time but he was excellent at bringing the ball into midfield, keeping the play flowing and out-muscling his opponents.
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Kevin De Bruyne (7/10):
A typical all-action performance, involved in all City's best attacking moves.
Rodri (8/10):
Controlled the game in his usual way and was always looking for a goal. It was fitting that his effectively wrapped up the title.
Bernardo Silva (7/10):
Worked his socks off and was at the heart of the creative play, setting up two goals.
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Phil Foden (9/10):
It wasn't just the goals, but they sure help. He should be patenting his top-corner strikes from outside the box such as his first goal.
Erling Haaland (4/10):
The reverse of his usual displays. Surprisingly good at the build-up play, having a hand in the first two goals. But he was dreadful at shooting, wasting two great chances in the first half.
Jeremy Doku (8/10):
Always a thorn in West Ham's right side. Ran Coufal ragged throughout and set up the second goal.
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Nathan Ake (6/10):
Gave City more power after replacing Akanji.
Mateo Kovacic (N/A):
Brought on in added-time to join the celebrations.
Pep Guardiola (7/10):
Looked angry for much of the game, underlining how demanding he is of his players. And that intensity has taken him into the history books of English football.