5 Reasons why Pep triumphed over Klopp

#2 - City's Early Exit from the Champions League

Manchester City's elimination from the UCL proved to be a blessing in disguise

Manchester City, regarded by many as one of the favorites to lift this season's UEFA Champions League trophy, were shockingly eliminated by fellow Premier League team Tottenham Hotspur in the Quarterfinals. In the first leg at White Hart Lane, South Korean striker Son-Heung Min scored the winner as Mauricio Pochettino's men succeeded in keeping City scoreless.

In a sensational second leg that saw seven goals scored, Manchester City won the game 4-3 only to see Tottenham progress thanks to their 3 away goals. Raheem Sterling had given them a 4th minute lead, only to see Son-Heung Min nullify it with two quickfire goals in the 7th and 10th minute. Bernardo Silva made it 2-2 in the 11th minute before Sterling again stepped up to score.

Sergio Aguero made it 4-2 on aggregate in the 59th minute and City seemed destined for the semi-finals only for Spanish forward Fernando Llorente to deal the hammer blow, scoring in the 73rd minute for Spurs, to send them through.

The UCL ouster however became a blessing in disguise for Pep Guardiola's team as the players could afford more rest in betweeen games, in the business end of the season. Liverpool could not afford any such luxuries as they had to face a classy Barcelona outfit in the Champions League semis and the taxing schedule took its toll on the players, with star strikers Mohammed Salah and Roberto Firmino succumbing to injuries.

Even though Guardiola will look on the Champions League elimination as a failure, the fact remains that it was a blessing in disguise that helped City win the Premier League title.