When it comes to winning the title race on the last day of the season, no club is doing it like Manchester City.
15 minutes before the end of the “Aston Villa” 2-0 pulse of the faithful of the City, gathered at the stadium “Etihad”, was overcast.
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But no matter how nervous the fans dressed in sky blue, never infiltrated the City players on the field.
Because in just five minutes, “City” turned the game – and, indeed, the race for the title – upside down.
A soft header by Ilkay Gundogan in the 76th minute breathed life into the defense of the City title as players rushed to get the ball out of the net and resume play to continue the momentum.
Literally two minutes later Rodry struck a long shot to equalize when Villa was completely shocked.
Suddenly the decibel level around Etihad was rising like never before when fans wanted their team.
If the stadium had a roof, it would have been brought into orbit when Gundogan scored his second goal in the 81st minute to complete City’s return and ensure the title would remain on Pep Guardiola’s side again.
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Guardiola was overwhelmed with emotion at the final whistle as tears of joy rolled down his cheeks.
The Spaniard was bright in his praise for his team’s achievements as they again remained at the peak of the Premier League.
“These guys are legends,” Guardiola said after the match.
“If you win in this country four times in five years, it’s because these guys are so special.
“They will be remembered forever.”
This team not only inscribed itself in the folklore of the City, but also did so 10 years later from one of the most significant moments in the history of not only the club but also football.
Ten years ago, City secured its first-ever Premier League title in the most dramatic style.
A total score of 2-1 from the Queens Park Rangers and a needed win to get ahead of rivals Manchester United to win the league, well, the rest we all know.
Edin Dzek appeared in the 92nd minute and then came one of the most significant moments in Premier League history.
You can hear Martin Tyler’s famous call at the moment in your head: “Balotelli … Agueroooo!”
The return of City against Villa was not pretty as dramatic as against the Queens Park Rangers, but, again, scoring three goals lately in five minutes is pretty special.
Fans at the Etihad erupted in fury after the last whistle in absolutely chaotic scenes.
People jumped on the gate and eventually broke the crossbar on the gate, where City scored their three goals and school-age children came into action.
However, the moment was ruined after Villa manager Steven Gerrard revealed that goalkeeper Robin Olsen was attacked during the invasion.
In a statement, the City club apologized to Olsen and confirmed that it would ban for life the fans who attacked the Swede.
“Manchester City would like to sincerely apologize to Aston Villa goalkeeper Robin Olsen, who was attacked after the final whistle in today’s match, when the fans came on the field,” the statement said.
“The club has launched an immediate investigation, and as soon as it is found, the perpetrator will be banned indefinitely from visiting the stadium.”
Although the attack on Olsen leaves a bitter aftertaste in the mouths of football fans, it will have little effect on the celebrations in Manchester in the coming days.
But once the party is over, what will be next for Guardiola?
“And now golf! I need it! ”
https://www.foxsports.com.au/football/premier-league/remembered-forever-guardiola-hails-legends-as-epic-title-race-summed-up-by-chaotic-scenes/news-story/fe2f0ace9d517b496562e249ba9ad9ca