Manchester City are nearly home and hosed in this season’s Premier League title race… if you can even call it a ‘race’, that is.
In reality, it’s been all but mathematically over for some time now, but Pep Guardiola’s side’s victory over Everton on Saturday evening now means City will be confirmed as champions with a win over Manchester United next weekend.
City were 3-0 up at Goodison Park by half-time and, despite Yannick Bolasie pulling a goal back for Everton with less than half an hour remaining, never looked like they were going to drop points.
After the game, video was shared of Everton supporters applauding City’s players off the pitch.
#EVEMCI @Everton @ManCity Everton fans staying behind to clap City off the pitch, great gesture from those fans who appreciate good football ! pic.twitter.com/irAGGJ2Gd2
— Chris Palmer (@ChrisPalmer001) April 2, 2018
Although many saw this as recognition of a fine footballing performance, Guardiola suggested after the game that this might have been prompted by something else.
As well as thanking the Evertonians for their gesture, the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss jokingly suggested that this might only have been the case because his City side fave Liverpool in the Champions League quarter finals this week.
“Maybe because we are going to play against Liverpool,” Guardiola said after the game.
“Thank you so much. I didn’t know it but if this has happened because they give credit for what the players have done then it gives more satisfaction.
“First it is for our fans but for the people who love football and enjoy the way we play football then that is more satisfaction.
“Last season, 4-0, I applaud them and this season they applaud us so thank-you so much.”
City face Liverpool, Everton’s Merseyside rivals, at Anfield on Wednesday night. They are bidding to win their first European Cup this season. Liverpool, however, are looking to win their sixth.
