Despite Manchester City’s huge win over Tottenham last night, the job isn’t complete for Pep Guardiola’s men. Last night’s victory at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium puts the world champions within one win of a fourth consecutive Premier League title. While City’s victory was a huge moment in the title race, they still have to beat West Ham on Sunday at the Etihad Stadium to claim their place in history.
Nothing is a formality at this stage of the season. Manchester City and their fans need no reminding of what can happen on the final day of the season. Ageuro’s match-winning moment against QPR in 2011/2 and Ilkay Gundogan’s heroics in their 3-2 win over Aston Villa on the final day of the 21/22 campaign are stark reminders of this. While Manchester City is no doubt favourites to claim the title after last night’s result, nothing is a formality. They must pick up three points against West Ham to ensure their place in history.
The most iconic of @premierleague final days! ☝️@aguerosergiokun ⏱️ 93:20
13/05/12 ✨ pic.twitter.com/7w838RyBXh
— Manchester City (@ManCity) May 13, 2024
There will be nerves and excitement come Sunday. Ghosts of City’s previous final day heroics will be ever present in the build-up to Sunday’s game. It may take the well-known resilience of Pep Guardiola’s squad to secure one more win on Sunday. While West Ham have fallen away late in the season, they do possess immense quality throughout their lineup. Manchester City must be at their best to claim all three points at the Etihad.
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Speaking after Manchester City’s huge win over Tottenham Kyle Walker reminded everyone that isn’t job done just yet. The City captain was pleased with his team’s victory but knows they have one more job to complete. Walker said: “The lads did the job we needed to do. We’re one step closer, but it’s not job done. At least we bring it down to the last game in front of our fans, which is important. I think you have to take it every game as it comes. We had a job to do tonight. We’ve done that. We know how things can swing in football. The experience against Aston Villa, going two-nil down thinking ‘oh my gosh what’s happening here? As the manager said in there, we recover and three days to prepare for West Ham, which is another final, and hopefully, we can make history for this great club.”
Pep Guardiola echoed the sentiments of his captain post game. He told the media: “I like that they were so happy in the locker room, but they know it’s not done. I didn’t see an extra celebration. They know perfectly it will be tough. People have to come to Etihad at 3 on Sunday, knowing it will be difficult. They have to come with their families and bring the energy, win every inch and metre, and deserve to win that game. All we have to do is win that game. To have the chance to live that possibility we are so fortunate.”
Manchester City’s huge win over Tottenham last night has set the scene for Sunday’s clash with West Ham. But there is one more job to do before Pep Guardiola’s men can claim their place in history.