Manchester City began to beat its sixth consecration in the Premier League in a decade after crushing Newcastle 5-0 on Sunday.
Raheem Sterling opened the account and sealed the result for the reigning champions at the Etihad, his stadium. What has been a tight battle for the title has now come under City’s control, opening a three-point gap over pursuers Liverpool.
Liverpool’s 1-1 draw against Tottenham on Saturday could be very costly. City maintains a better goal difference, plus 4, over its rival with three dates remaining.
Aymeric Laporte, Rodri and Phil Foden also shook the networks. The resounding victory allows City the luxury of giving up points in one of the games that remain to be played and will also be able to repeat as champion.
But City does not want to suffer until the last breath, as happened in 2012, something immortalized by the 2022 squad prior to the start of the game this Sunday by coming out with a shirt with the phrase “Agueroooo 93:20” to highlight the moment in which Argentine forward Sergio Agüero scored the goal that meant the title.
What hasn’t changed in 10 years — despite all the conquests in the Premier — is the glory of a European title. After a collapse at Real Madrid on Wednesday prevented City from reaching their second successive Champions League final, Pep Guardiola’s side returned to their domestic duties ready for anything.
In the years to come, however, Newcastle could challenge City both in the Premier and in Europe.
“We are richer than you”, proclaimed the Newcastle fans present at the City fiefdom.
But the hosts displayed the might of Abu Dhabi’s 14-year investment on a Newcastle side that has barely a transfer window after being acquired by the fund over Saudi Arabia and spent to avoid relegation.
CHAMPIONS ZONE
Accompanied by a brace from Eddie Nketiah, Arsenal beat Leeds 2-1 and came within a whisker of ending a five-year exile from the Champions League by cementing fourth place in the Premier League.
If they beat Tottenham on Thursday, Arsenal will qualify for Europe’s top tournament two dates early.
Arsenal moved four points clear of Tottenham thanks to Nketiah’s two goals in the first 10 minutes. Leeds fell back into the relegation zone.
Leeds played with 10 men from the 27th minute after captain Luke Ayling was sent off for a rough tackle on Gabriel Martinelli. Referee Chris Kavanagh initially booked the defender with a yellow card but ended up changing it to red after consulting the VAR.
The visitors discounted at 66 due to the Spanish defender Diego Llorente.