Manchester City extended their advantage over their top four rivals as they comfortably defeated a relegation-threatened Stoke City side 2-0 at the bet365 Stadium.
With the title seemingly wrapped up for the Citizens, it was now the case of confirming their status as the new champions of England. Yesterday’s result means that Pep Guardiola’s side will now have to beat Everton at Goodison Park and Manchester United at the Etihad to seal their place in the history books.
It is also an opportunity for City to break some records set by previous champions. The record for most goals scored in a season from a title-winning team was by Chelsea (2009-10) with 103 goals, with City currently on 85 with eight games remaining. The most points reached in a season from a title-winning team was also achieved by Chelsea, who managed to get 95 points when they won the league in 2005. These are both realistic records that the Citizens could target to show their superiority.
As the game hit the 10-minute mark, a great team move ended with Raheem Sterling hitting a low cross to David Silva to make it 1-0. It was all City in the first half, with Stoke struggling to gain a foothold in a game they needed to win to help them climb out of the relegation zone. The game was sealed after just five minutes into the second half with another passing move resulting in a City goal. David Silva scored his second of the match, where he managed to get to the ball before Jack Butland to tap in for 2-0.
A big win for City in their quest for their third Premier League title and their first major domestic trophy during the Pep Guardiola era.
Here are our player ratings from the match.
Ederson - 7
Had barely anything to do, other than the occasions where he impressed the City fans with some top quality trickery on the ball.
Kyle Walker - 7
Despite some wobbles defensively, Walker made up for it with support in attack. His immense pace has been a prized asset for City this season.
Vincent Kompany - 7
Misjudged a long ball from Stoke, which nearly have them a way back into the game. Redeemed himself by bringing a no-nonsense style of play to his game, which helped City see out the victory.
Nicolas Otamendi - 7
Him and Kompany were solid at the back once again, ensuring that the Stoke attack would not get a sniff of a chance. Some great passing as well from the Argentine.
Aleks Zinchenko - 7
Shaqiri threatened him early on, but he stood up to the challenge and helped his side assert their dominance going forward.
Kevin De Bruyne - 9
Helped City sustain their pressure on Stoke and delivered some delightful crosses and free-kicks into the opposition’s box. A massive influence.
Fernandinho - 9
An absolute menace from the start, closing down and pressing Stoke into submission and looking to instigate counter-attacks. A definite contender for Player of the Season.
David Silva - 9
Arguable one of his best performances of the season, putting his tally of goals to nine. His passing, possession and ability were on full display. It will be a sad day when he no longer wears the blue shirt.
Raheem Sterling - 8
Fantastic pass for the first goal of the match after a great team move and could have scored a goal that a certain Leo Messi would have been proud of as he almost walked the ball into the net.
Gabriel Jesus - 8
A shaky start to the game for the Brazilian, but he grew into the game and played a big part in both goals. He looked a lot more composed and confident again. Hopefully this is the catalyst to a good end to the season for him.
Leroy Sane - 8
A menacing threat to Stoke from the start, but he never seemed to really create many opportunities. Showed a good amount of aggression and discipline against a rough, rugged home side.
Substitutions
Bernardo Silva (for Sterling 84) – No time to mark