As a Manchester City fan, I wasn't expecting them to be challenging for the league title throughout the early weeks of the 2013/14 season. A loss away to Cardiff, a draw at home with Stoke, and although they defeated United 4-1, they still couldn't find a way past Aston Villa in late September. But from there, things picked up and big wins against Tottenham and Arsenal helped City end 2013 on a high.
The League Cup was a success but as a City fan, I wanted to see them win more than just the League Cup. One week where I didn't think they'd win anything major this season was the week that they were stunned at home and knocked out of the FA Cup by Wigan Athletic. The Wigan hoodoo struck again after last season's FA Cup Final. Then the embarrassing loss in the Champions League Round of 16 to Barcelona. City were in a slump.
Clean sheets against Hull, Fulham and most importantly a 3-0 win at Old Trafford saw City become one of the favourites to take out the Premier League title. Arsenal held firm in a 1-all draw at the Emirates in late March but it was the 3-2 loss at Liverpool that almost had me give up hope for City, the cruel error by Vincent Kompany gave Liverpool the win and the advantage.
But there'd be more twists. A 2-2 draw with Sunderland saw City almost lose touch with the league leading Liverpool but then another twist in the Premier League season. Steven Gerrard's slip-up against Chelsea will be remembered for years to come. Some laughed, some cried, but that moment will be remembered as the season-defining moment of 2013/14.
Liverpool's stunning collapse against Crystal Palace allowed City to put one hand on the trophy and with 5 straight victories to end the season, Manchester City claimed their 2nd Barclay's Premier League trophy and 4th league title in their club's history. The noisy neighbours had done it again.
You can talk about the money, and the amount of foreigners in the team but Manchester City proved themselves as the best team in England this season. And for those who dispute the amount of money poured into this club, I ask, wasn't this season's title race one to remember? Wasn't this team one to remember? Money doesn't buy success. City bought the players yes, but the players won the title. The players are the ones with the winners' medallions.
Lastly, the City fans. Anyone who doesn't really know football would think City fans are rich, arrogant, maybe a bit too cocky. But these fans aren't that. They're the long-suffering, blue-collared Manchester faithful. They've waited decades to see their club taste success like this. Long gone are the Division Two days at Maine Road. Premiership success at the Etihad will continue for years to come. This team is creating a dynasty and they want to become the best club in Manchester.
I'm not like the majority of City fans (and United for the matter) bagging out Steven Gerrard for his slip-up. Am I happy it happened, yes. But I have to feel sorry for Gerrard. He has done so much for English football and many would say he deserves the title. But that's football. Twists and turns until the final day, the final whistle.
United fans tried to take their frustrations out on Liverpool by referencing their 20 league titles but the funny thing is United were no-where to be found in this year's title race. So to the Liverpool fans I say thank you. Thank you for the challenging title race, the emotions, the joy and the despair.
It made me so happy to see Vincent Kompany hoist the trophy above his head once again. There aren't many like him. Courageous, skillful, a true leader in every way. And how about Yaya Touré. Or Sergio Agüero, Samir Nasri, Joe Hart. This is a team of champions.
The blue moon has risen again.
Congratulations Manchester City, champions of England for a fourth time.
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