The Premier League is one of the most popular soccer leagues in the world, including in Nigeria where fans of the sport follow the action in the English league throughout the season. Fans of Manchester City will have been delighted to see that their team won the title for the third straight year.
Pep Guardiola’s side did not have it their way throughout the year, as Arenal led the league most of the season. However, at the business end of the campaign, City finished the best to secure the trophy. Here is a look at some of the turning points across the year in their success.
Chelsea 0-1 Manchester City – January 5
Just weeks after their full squad returned to training following the 2022 World Cup, Manchester City made a winning start to the calendar year. In what was a tough test at Stamford Bridge, they came out 1-0 winners thanks to a goal from Riyad Mahrez.
Chelsea dominated possession in the first half of the game, but Guardiola made a couple of important substitutions in the second half which made a big impact. The victory, at the time, put City five points behind Arsenal. Had they not won this game, it would have been a poor start to 2023 and it would have given the Gunners a big lift.
Crystal Palace 0-1 Manchester City – March 11
It has been a record-breaking season for striker Erling Haaland. One of his most important goals in the campaign came in March when he scored the winning goal at Selhurst Park. For 77 minutes, the hosts frustrated the champions, but the Norway international was able to convert from the penalty spot to ensure his side picked up all three points.
The victory in London put a lot of pressure on Arsenal, as it showed that City was ready to capitalize should Mikel Arteta’s side slip up. It was the start of a big week for them as they also had wins in the UEFA Champions League and FA Cup, booking their spot in the next round of each of those competitions.
Manchester City 4-1 Arsenal – April 26
When Manchester City trailed Arsenal, they knew they were set to host their rivals at the Etihad Stadium in April. Guardiola’s side were at their very best in that game, blowing away the Gunners 4-1.
It means City now go into next season bidding to win a fourth consecutive Premier League title. No team has achieved that before. The defending champions are priced at odds of -175 in the outright Bwin sports betting markets for the 23/24 campaign.
Arsenal are likely to be one of the leading challengers to Manchester City again next season. If they are to finish above the 2022/23 winners, they will need to get better results against their rivals in the two Premier League fixtures against them.
New Fixtures Revealed in June
The 2023/24 Premier League fixtures will be revealed on June 15, just two months before the start of the new campaign on August 12. Before then, Manchester City will have the chance to win more trophies in the FA Cup and Champions League finals.
