Chapter 797: Manchester City is the League Champion!
After winning the first leg against Barcelona, ??the English media praised this remaining Premier League team. You must know that they have been away from the top of Europe for too long.
But besides preparing to secure victory in the second leg, Manchester City also intends to settle everything in the upcoming 36th round of the league and lift the league championship trophy in advance!
"At present, we lead second-placed Chelsea by more than 8 points. Unless there is a disastrous three-game losing streak, it is possible to be overtaken by our opponents. So there is nothing to worry about. Let's settle this matter as soon as possible and focus on preparing for cup competitions!" Guardiola said so.
On May 6th, the Sky Blues hosted Crystal Palace at the Etihad Stadium.
The FA even transported the championship trophy to Manchester in advance. Obviously, they also believe that either this round or the last round, Manchester City will definitely lift the trophy.
The match tickets were sold out long ago, and many home fans even arrived at the stadium four or five hours in advance to gather and chat outside the stadium.
They waved celebratory flags and banners, linked arms, jumped, and sang. Various local media from Manchester rushed to the scene to report.
Facing the camera, this group of people did not hide their confidence. "Of course, we will handle everything. Today we will win the league championship first, and then send Barcelona home!"
When the team bus appeared in people's sight, countless passionate fans surged forward, expressing support for the club in various ways.
Many players in the bus also showed excitement and eagerness to play, including Sané, De Bruyne, and other young talents. They never thought that they could win the Premier League title as key players in their first season.
The Belgian midfielder recalled the agreement with Wang Feng when he was ten years old. He finally caught up with the Chinese superstar and fought side by side with him to create glory.
And Wang is really amazing. Until now, he is still the number one player in the world of football. It is with this strength that the Sky Blues can compete on all fronts.
The Chinese superstar himself didn't have much emotion. Since his debut, he has won over a hundred major tournament championships. The Premier League is just one of the feathers in his cap, which cannot arouse much waves in his heart.
But this does not mean that he does not value or need it. He will only face this competition with the calmest attitude and secure victory steadily.
Seeing Wang Feng's calm demeanor, other players gradually put away their anxiety. With Wang Feng and such a big advantage, there is nothing to worry about.
Manchester City undoubtedly attracts everyone's attention. Crystal Palace, on the other hand, is unwilling to be a background board for their championship.
After the game started, the away team immediately organized fierce attacks, showing an attitude of wanting to spoil Manchester City's celebration. Whether in terms of ball possession or threatening opportunities, they were higher than the home team.
However, their strength is limited after all. After dominating for only 9 minutes, they were pushed back to their original state. Seizing a quick counter-attack opportunity, the Sky Blues found Wang Feng with a long pass from Silva.
The Chinese superstar dribbled past two defenders and rushed into the penalty area, shooting to the far corner before the goalkeeper could block, making it 1-0!
"Wang~! Feng~!" Amid the passionate shouts of the on-site DJ, the Etihad Stadium turned into a sea of celebration.
"Manchester City can now start celebrating their second heavyweight trophy of the season—the league championship!" The commentators from around the world all said so confidently.
Looking back at the past season, the Sky Blues established a leading advantage from the initial stage, defeating two major competitors, Manchester United and Chelsea. Especially the double kill against the Blues was the most important factor in winning the league.
Being in the lead made Manchester City play very relaxed. Crystal Palace also changed their high-pressure strategy at the start of the match, completely retracting their defense and handing over possession to the home team.
As a result, just before halftime, the away team suddenly launched an attack. Benteke penetrated into the penalty area and equalized the score with a shot.
This caused the previously warm atmosphere to stagnate for a while. At halftime, Manchester City players walked into the tunnel with obvious frustration and dissatisfaction.
"In fact, it's okay, even if we only get 1 point, we can still lead Chelsea by 6 points. Moreover, we still have an absolute advantage in goal difference. It can be said that we have basically locked in the championship," Kompany comforted his teammates.
"It's just delaying the expected award ceremony a bit."
"But so many fans have come to witness our victory, I don't want to disappoint them," De Bruyne couldn't help but say.
"Well said!" Guardiola showed a look of admiration. "Everyone, save the revelry and celebration for after the match. Right now, all you need to think about is how to win!"
"Now you only need to defeat yourselves. With normal performance, you will definitely win!"
Returning to the field, the fans were still tirelessly cheering for the home team. They believed that their warriors would not disappoint them.
The Crystal Palace players were surprised to find that Manchester City was more aggressive. They fully released the powerful deterrent power of the Premier League hegemon.
There was no disdain or frustration, just steady advancement. As a result, Crystal Palace had no defense at all.
"The Sky Blues have finally gotten serious. This is the team's original level. It seems that they are eager to lift the trophy today!"
In the 51st minute, De Bruyne and Wang Feng achieved a wall-pass on the side, then De Bruyne sent a diagonal pass into the penalty area, where Aguero, following up, directly shot without stopping, piercing Hennessey's fingertips.
Manchester City led again!
This time, they didn't stop but continued to attack the away team fiercely. Fifteen minutes later, their efforts paid off again.
This time, Wang Feng roamed to the edge of the penalty area to receive Silva's direct pass. At this time, he had his back to the direction of the attack, and Cabaye and McArthur quickly closed in.
All eleven Crystal Palace players compressed into the thirty-meter area in front of the penalty area, densely packed in several layers. It was difficult for attacking players with the ball to penetrate.
But before the two could get close, the Chinese superstar had already used the momentum to complete a turn with the inside of his foot, forcefully breaking through the gap between them.
McArthur was shocked and immediately reached out to grab Wang Feng, while not far away, Tomkins immediately fell to the ground to slide tackle. One marked the person, and one marked the ball, making it impossible for the opponent to move forward.
Wang Feng naturally understood this, so he didn't rush to get rid of them, but directly swung his right leg and fiercely shot the ball.
With a "whoosh," it soared into the air, passing over Tomkins' legs and flying towards the goal at a rapid pace.
Hennessey was waiting for Wang Feng to break into the penalty area and challenge him, but he didn't expect the ball to come flying. He immediately made a save, successfully touching the ball this time!
Before he could be happy for long, the ball slipped out of Hennessey's gloves due to the strong force and continued its momentum, entering the net behind him.
"Gooooooooooooooooooal! The ball is in! Wang scores his second goal!"
"This is a decisive goal. Manchester City leads 3-1 against Crystal Palace, completely securing victory!"
Like a giant rock thrown into the water, the entire Etihad Stadium splashed with surging water, and the cheers and celebrations resounded through the sky.
Now the fans can finally celebrate to their hearts' content. There is no suspense anymore. Manchester City is the 2016-2017 Premier League champion!
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