Manchester City crowned Premier League champions 2013-14

Manchester City crowned champions

Matchday 38 of the Premier League was one that was very eagerly anticipated, as Manchester City needed atleast a point against West Ham to guarantee them the title. Liverpool on the other hand needed to win and hope that West Ham would them a favor by defeating Manchester City.

It was also Ryan Giggs’ last game as interim manager of Manchester United as they visited Southampton to round off their disappointing campaign. Norwich City were all but relegated as their goal difference was very inferior when compared to West Brom, and the last matchday was a mere formality.

Manchester City defeated West Ham 2-0 and won the title, while Liverpool finished 2nd 2 points behind City. Norwich City were relegated as they lost to Arsenal while Tottenham made sure they will play in Europe next season.

Manchester City made sure there were no surprises as they controlled the game against West Ham to secure a 2-0 win and their 2nd Premier League title in 3 years. Samir Nasri opened the scoring for City with a well struck long range effort in the 40th minute, and Vincent Kompany doubled the advantage right after the break as City strolled to the win.

Liverpool on the other hand earned a hard fought 2-1 victory over Newcastle United, who definitely did not make things easy for the Merseyside club. Luis Suarez had a goal disallowed in the 18th minute as referee Phil Dowd adjudged him to have taken the free kick too quickly. The next possession saw Newcastle breaking forward, with Gouffran putting in a cross from the left which was sliced into his own net by Martin Skrtel.

Liverpool mounted a serious comeback in the 2nd half, as Daniel Agger equalized with a volley from Gerrard’s free kick in the 63rd minute and Sturrdige gave them the lead in the 65th minute turning in another Gerrard free kick. Newcastle United had 2 players sent off, Shola Amoebi for dissent immediately after Sturridge’s goal, and Paul Dummett in the 87th minute with a straight red.

Norwich City lost at home 0-2 to Arsenal and confirmed their impending relegation. They join Cardiff City and Fulham who were relegated earlier.

At St. Mary’s, Manchester United and Southampton played out a 1-1 draw as Southampton dominated the 1st half and took a deserved lead in the 28th minute courtesy Rickie Lambert while United equalized through a Juan Mata free kick in 54th minute.

Tottenham ensured a Europa League spot as they defeated Aston Villa comprehensively 3-0 at home to finish the season on a high.

The final consolidated EPL table