After an incredible afternoon of drama, Manchester City have been crowned Premier League champions in the most nervy of circumstances.
It was expected that Pep Guardiola's side would see out the season in a fairly comfortable fashion, and while it would come after the most topsy turvy of afternoons, they would eventually get then job done with a 3-2 victory over Aston Villa.
Things could hardly have gotten off to a worse start for Liverpool.
Hoping to get a fast start at Anfield, it would be Wolves that took the lead via Raul Neto in only the third minute.
That wasn't in the script! 📃
Wolves have given Liverpool a mountain to climb 🏔️ pic.twitter.com/I83bRY3qGB— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 22, 2022
Thoughts of the title were certainly farfetched at this time.
However, it wouldn't be too long before they got back on level terms.
Sadio Mane was the man that got the goal, with assist from Thiago Alcantara a sight to behold.
Sadio Mane has Liverpool back on track 👀
That assist by Thiago is out of this world! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/5D8hZK1q8I— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 22, 2022
Soon after, a ripple of excitement began to make its way around the ground. While Liverpool were still on level terms, word had gotten through that Aston Villa had taken a shock lead at The Etihad.
Liverpool celebrate Aston Villa taking the lead against Man City 🥳 pic.twitter.com/Ykrnkj5WjJ
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 22, 2022
Matty Cash was the man that got the goal for Steven Gerrard's side.
It was a brilliantly taken header, although questions may be asked about Joao Cancelo's defending at the far post.
VILLA TAKE THE LEAD!!
Matty Cash fires in a header to put Aston Villa in front at the Etihad 😱 pic.twitter.com/uULS2aVBmq— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 22, 2022
Game on.
On duty on Soccer Saturday, Paul Merson could hardly believe what was unfolding in front of him.
"OHHHHH! OH MY!" 🤯
Paul Merson's reaction to Aston Villa going 1-0 up against Man City! 😲 pic.twitter.com/tkwWSlTeT8— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 22, 2022
That was how things stayed as both matches went into the interval.
Liverpool thought they had taken a major stride towards the title early in the second half.
Sadio Mane had the ball in the net for a second time, although his effort was soon ruled out for offside.
MANEEEEEE! 🗣️
Liverpool thought they had scored a vital goal, until the offside flag was raised 👀 pic.twitter.com/jnz89NKtes— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 22, 2022
Everything looked to be going Liverpool's way when Aston Villa extended their lead at The Etihad.
It was former Red Philippe Coutinho that got the goal.
TWO NIL TO VILLA!!!
And it's Philippe Coutinho with the goal! 👀🙈 pic.twitter.com/qMMP0t5c0K— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 22, 2022
Now, it just seemed to be up to Jurgen Klopp's side to do their job. They struggled, not creating chances with the frequency you would expect of them.
All of a sudden the tide began to turn in Manchester.
Ilkay Gundogan got them back into the game, with Rodri popping up with a brilliant long range effort a few minutes later to get them back on level terms.
RODRIIIIII!!!
Manchester City equalise!! 😰 pic.twitter.com/IcSDFgQw79— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 22, 2022
Then, even more drama.
With Liverpool still on level terms, Manchester City took the lead. Ilkay Gundogan had his second and suddenly the title looked to be on its way back to Manchester once again.
🎙️ "ILKAY GUNDOGAN YOU LITTLE DANCER!!" 🕺
Manchester City turn it around at the Etihad!! WOW!! pic.twitter.com/4tRqwuvJUj— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 22, 2022
Liverpool would ensure that there was some jeopardy in the final minutes, with Mo Salah scoring to give his side the win and an outside chance at the title.
Salah finally puts Liverpool in front! 👀
As things stand, it's not enough to win the title 🏆❌
The Reds' fate is in the hands of Aston Villa... pic.twitter.com/nfYJBLiHai— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 22, 2022
In the end, it wasn't enough. While Andy Robertson would add to Liverpool's lead, it was to be Manchester City that would be crowned as Premier League winners.
There were some incredible scenes at The Etihad after the final whistle.
"Pep Guardiola can't cope, that shot there of him crying says it all" 😭
Full-time scenes at the Etihad!! 🥳🥳 pic.twitter.com/ah3F4fJIkW— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 22, 2022
This was Manchester City's fourth Premier League title in five seasons, although this afternoon certainly provided the most drama out of all those recent triumphs.
As for Liverpool, while there will be no quadruple, they will now regroup and attempt to win a third trophy of the season in next week's Champions League final against Real Madrid.
SEE ALSO: Paul Merson Feels Liverpool's Season Can't Be A Success If They Don't Win The League
