Manchester City were confirmed the English Premier League champions on Tuesday after Leicester City beat Manchester United 2-1. A defeat for second-placed United, which is 10 points behind City with four games remaining, handed its neighbor the title. Fourth-placed Leicester benefitted from United's packed end-of-season schedule, the latter playing a much-weakened side. The game had come in the middle of a period of three league games in five days for United, which has had to fit in a rearranged match against Liverpool that was postponed on May 2 because of fan protests against the club's American owners.
This marks Manchester City, a formidable side under manager Pep Guardiola, winning their third straight league title in four years. With a victory in the League Cup already confirmed, and a final in the Champions League left to be played out, Guardiola faces the chance to win the vaunted 'treble'.
"This has been a season and a Premier League title like no other," said Guardiola, speaking to the club website."This was the hardest one. We will always remember this season for the way we won. I am so proud to be the manager here and of this group of players. To come through this season, with all the restrictions and difficulties we have faced—and show the consistency we have is remarkable. It is relentless."
As Reuters reported, despite City's romp to the title they endured a tough start to the season after picking up 12 points from their first eight games—their worst start since 2008-09. Since then they have been head and shoulders above their rivals.
