Manchester City won an unprecedented fourth straight English top-flight title with a 3-1 win over West Ham United on Sunday to pip rivals Arsenal on the final day of a thrilling Premier League season.
Two glorious early goals from league player of the season Phil Foden created a party atmosphere in the sunshine at the Etihad Stadium before a stunning bicycle kick from Mohammed Kudus before halftime brought West Ham briefly into the game.
But Rodri sealed the victory with a low 59th-minute shot from outside the area, giving Pep Guardiola’s side a phenomenal sixth title in seven years. Fans danced in their seats, belting out: “Champions again!” and “Are you watching Arsenal?”
In one of the closest title races in Premier League history, Arsenal could have taken the championship had City dropped points. But the Londoners’ 2-1 win in their game against Everton was in vain, leaving them two points behind.
Follow all the reaction below.
Premier League final day
FT: Manchester City claim record fourth straight title after 3-1 win over West Ham
Arsenal win 2-1 against Everton but fall short by two points
GOAL! Rodri restores City’s two-goal lead (MCI 3-1 WHU)
GOAL! Kudus scores spectacular overhead kick (MCI 2-1 WHU)
GOAL! Foden doubles lead to put City in control (MCI 2-0 WHU)
GOAL! Foden scores stunner to put City ahead (MCI 1-0 WHU)
Manchester City FC 3 - 1 West Ham United FC
Manchester City clinch fourth successive Premier League title with final-day win over West Ham
18:08, Ben Fleming
And so, some 136 years after the foundation of the Football League, England finally has a team who have done the quartet. Manchester City are the first team to become champions in four consecutive seasons. Pep Guardiola has a historic achievement; another one, given the rare and unique distinctions he has engineered and amassed amid his own track record of unparalleled success.
There is a debate to be had if this City side are the greatest England has seen but they can claim to be the most relentless. Since the Club World Cup, they have taken 57 points from a possible 63. If Arsenal’s excellence left them with little room for error in the run-in, City made none, finishing with nine straight wins, each by at least two goals. They have turned winning into a routine: across games, months, seasons and an era.
While City have endured final-day drama before, Guardiola’s prediction that this would be like the nerve-shredding last game against Aston Villa in 2022 proved very wrong. Mohammed Kudus produced a late contender for goal of the season, but only when City were already up.
A goal ahead inside 80 seconds, two to the good within 20 minutes, this was a saunter in the sunshine. City were dominant, Foden rampant, his early double a further illustration of his capacity to score goals that are both important and excellent.
Read Richard Jolly’s full-time report from the Etihad:
Man City clinch fourth successive Premier League with final-day win over West Ham
Rio Ferdinand - Foden becoming a club legend
18:50 , Ben Fleming
Phil Foden collects his medal to huge applause from the stands and Rio Ferdinand.
“You have to respect it - the individuals there are fantastic. The top players have moments where you cement yourself as one of the club’s greats - I’m not going to go too early, but Foden has done that today,” the former Man United centre-back says on TNT Sports.
“It’s hard to explain how difficult winning a title again is - to continually reboot and go again. The daily pressure to get up and go every day is a relentless pursuit of elite performance.”
Gary Neville - Pep is a winning machine
18:46 , Ben Fleming
“Pep Guardiola has designed a style of football that is being copied not just around this country, but all around Europe.
“Most of all he is a winning machine that instils that in everybody who works with him.”
Here come the players
18:41 , Ben Fleming
Club legend Pau Dickov brings out the trophy and is followed soon after by the medical team and backroom staff.
And here comes the players, led out by Guardiola, to a rapturous reception in the Manchester sunshine. The Spaniard the first to receive his medal.
Trophy lift coming soon
18:39 , Ben Fleming
City fans stormed onto the pitch in celebration but are back in the stands now as we get ready for the trophy lift
Arsenal fall just short of Premier League glory — and it’s clear what they need to finally beat Man City
18:36 , Ben Fleming
As the Arsenal fans sang joyously, you wouldn’t necessarily have thought they’d just finished second. That could instead be seen on the dejected faces of the players, who didn’t even celebrate the Kai Havertz goal that gave them a 2-1 victory over Everton.
Arsenal had done what they needed, but it wasn’t enough. For their part, the one reason the fans were responding as they did was because of the long acceptance this had been the case, and pride in the team.
Any true hope really vanished after just 76 seconds, when news of that Phil Foden goal at Manchester City began to come true.
It symbolised how there was only ever the illusion of tension to this, and most of the title race. City have been too strong, winning too many matches of this run-in with ease. Arsenal just keep having to try to inch closer, as arduous as that is. They are gradually getting there.
The wonder is whether City, under Pep Guardiola in this idealised environment, will always have that bit more.
Captain Martin Odegaard addresses the crowd: “We have changed the club. I think you all believe in us now. I can’t wait to come back from the break. We’re on a good way. We’re stronger than last year and we have to come back even stronger and push all the way and win everything.”
Mikel Arteta also says a few words: “All this is happening because you started believing, you started to be patient, you started to see what we were trying to do. All credit to the players, this was tough, unbelievable.
“It’s time to have a break, think, reflect. Please keep pushing and inspiring this team. Don’t be satisfied. We want much more and we’re going to get it. Thank you so much.”
More from Walker
18:28 , Ben Fleming
“The support we also get from the Manchester City fans never ceases to amaze me. Week in, week out they are there, whatever the weather, supporting us all the way. Their passion and backing honestly means the world to me and all the players.
I hope that making history by winning a fourth consecutive Premier League title stands as a fitting way for us to say thank you to all our fantastic supporters.”
Kyle Walker, speaking via the club’s media
18:26 , Ben Fleming
“The last few years have been very special for everyone at Manchester City but to have captained this club to a fourth straight Premier League title is something I will cherish forever.
“The Premier League is the benchmark by which everyone is measured. It’s rightly renowned as the hardest and most competitive league in the world so to win four in a row, especially after last season’s Treble success, illustrates what we have collectively managed to achieve.
“There are so many people I would like to thank but I have to start with Pep, the backroom staff, my colleagues in the dressing room and everyone who works so hard across the club, day in and day out. There is no way we could have won this title without all their incredible work and efforts.”
Around the grounds
18:23 , Ben Fleming
Here is how the rest of the fixtures went today as Tottenham and Chelsea secured European football, Jurgen Klopp ended with a win and Luton’s relegation was made official:
Arsenal 2-1 Everton
Brentford 2-4 Newcastle
Brighton 0-2 Manchester United
Burnley 1-2 Nottingham Forest
Chelsea 2-1 Bournemouth
Crystal Palace 5-0 Aston Villa
Liverpool 2-0 Wolves
Luton 2-4 Fulham
Manchester City 3-1 West Ham
Sheffield United 0-3 Tottenham
Manchester City are Premier League champions
18:18 , Ben Fleming
The trophy is being readied as we speak...
The winning goal
18:17 , Ben Fleming
It was Rodri’s second-half strike that put the result beyond doubt. Here it is:
More from Foden
18:13 , Ben Fleming
On his first goal: “Almost the perfect start. Sometimes I believe in scoring a bit too early. Luckily I got us the second and that settled us a bit. The sniper [celebration] is here to stay definitely.”
On winning his sixth title: “I never get bored of it, you want this feeling every time. When you win something there is no better feeling. I want to keep winning as much as I can.”
Phil Foden speaking to Sky Sports
18:12 , Ben Fleming
“It is so hard to put into words what we’ve done today. No team has ever done it [won four in a row], we have put ourselves into the history books. You see what it means to the fans and to us players working all year for this moment. A special moment to share it with the fans.”
On winning four in a row: “I think to win the Premier League four times, no team has ever done it before, so to do it means we are up there [with the best teams of all time]. I am just absolutely shattered to be honest.”
On pre-match nerves: “Not just me but all the lads have played in important games over the years and have got through this situation a few times as well so it certainly help with the nerves. I thought today we just looked confident and played out football. In the end, it paid off.”
Manchester City are Premier League champions
18:05 , Ben Fleming
It’s all over at the Emirates, too, and Arsenal have claimed a 2-1 win over Everton thanks to Havertz’s late winner.
It’s a great effort from Mikel Arteta’s side, who have pushed this City side all the way, but they fall just short of their first title in 20 years.
FULL-TIME! Manchester City 3-1 West Ham
18:01 , Ben Fleming
90+5 mins: Some City fans have already made their way onto the edge of the pitch but are gestured to get back in the stands by their own players.
But the full-time whistle goes now and they do storm onto the pitch because Manchester City are Premier League champions yet again!
Manchester City 3-1 West Ham
17:58 , Ben Fleming
90+3 mins: West Ham pushing forward in the final few months but nothing threatening from the away side. City are moments away now...
Manchester City 3-1 West Ham
17:54 , Ben Fleming
90 mins: Foden makes way to a hero’s reception as Kovacic comes on for the five minutes of added time here at the Etihad as City close in the title.
Over in north London, Arsenal have found what looks to be a late winner as the ball is bundled into the net by Havertz. The players don’t celebrate - they know they’re almost certainly going to fall just short.
Manchester City 3-1 West Ham
17:52 , Ben Fleming
88 mins: NO GOAL! Soucek has the ball in the back of the net but it’s quickly ruled out after it deflected in off the midfielder’s forearm.
Doesn’t look like we’ll be getting any late drama, here.
Manchester City 3-1 West Ham
17:50 , Ben Fleming
86 mins: Another late change for West Ham as Pacqueta is substituted for Ings.
Manchester City 3-1 West Ham
17:48 , Ben Fleming
84 mins: CLOSE! De Bruyne’s free-kick from the left is flicked on by Haaland at the near post but it just drifts wide with Areola rooted to the spot.
At the Emirates, it’s just not happening for Arsenal as Emile Smith-Rowe’s effort clatters off the crossbar.
Manchester City 3-1 West Ham
17:45 , Ben Fleming
81 mins: West Ham turn to their bench again as Earthy replaces Antonio up front.
Manchester City 3-1 West Ham
17:44 , Ben Fleming
80 mins: Into the final ten minutes we go and Arsenal, quite frankly, need a miracle. That game remains level, while City are in full cruise control in Manchester.
Manchester City 3-1 West Ham
17:40 , Ben Fleming
76 mins: Still no sign of an Arsenal goal to push them ahead. It almost certainly won’t matter now but they’ll surely want to end on a positive note.
Back at the Etihad, Alvarez is shown a yellow card for a cynical foul.
Manchester City 3-1 West Ham
17:38 , Ben Fleming
73 mins: A free-kick in a great area for City after Foden is bundled to the ground. Foden tries to bend his effort around the wall but it ends up in the side netting.
Manchester City 3-1 West Ham
17:34 , Ben Fleming
70 mins: Changes for both sides as Akanji departs for Ake, while Emerson is replaced by Alvarez.
Manchester City 3-1 West Ham
17:31 , Ben Fleming
67 mins: Haaland rises well at the back post from a corner, but Dias gets the slightest nick on the ball to divert it away from the striker.
Manchester City 3-1 West Ham
17:29 , Ben Fleming
64 mins: It’s a party atmosphere once again at the Etihad as City continue to knock the ball about and run down the clock.
It remains 1-1 in north London, with Raya making a smart save to keep his side level.
GOAL! Manchester City 3-1 West Ham (59 mins)
17:24 , Ben Fleming
A huge goal from the Spaniard! Out of nowhere, Rodri produces a moment of quality from the edge of the box to find the bottom corner and restore City’s two-goal lead.
The ground erupts with relief and Guardiola’s side surely have one hand back on the trophy now.
Manchester City 2-1 West Ham
17:23 , Ben Fleming
59 mins: Not much to report from the Emirates, where it remains 1-1.
And, quite frankly, not much to report from the Etihad where West Ham are camped on the edge of their box and trying to withstand City’s advances.
Manchester City 2-1 West Ham
17:17 , Ben Fleming
53 mins: Foden swings in a corner but it’s headed clear by Ward-Prowse.
Manchester City 2-1 West Ham
17:15 , Ben Fleming
51 mins: Foden is given far too much room on the edge of the box and lines up a curling effort from range. It has Areola worried but there’s not enough curl on it and it’s wide of the mark.
Manchester City 2-1 West Ham
17:13 , Ben Fleming
50 mins: A quiet start to this second half as De Bruyne’s half chance drifts comfortably wide of the post.
KICK-OFF! Manchester City 2-1 West Ham
17:09 , Ben Fleming
46 mins: And we’re back underway in the second half.
Don’t panic City fans
17:05 , Ben Fleming
Manchester City are unbeaten in their last 64 English Premier League matches when leading at half-time (W57, D7) dating back to 18th May 2021 against Brighton & Hove Albion (L2-3).
HALF-TIME: Manchester City 2-1 West Ham
17:02 , Ben Fleming
Work still to be done
HALF-TIME: Manchester City 2-1 West Ham
16:58 , Ben Fleming
Let’s have a look at those three first-half goals:
HALF-TIME: Manchester City 2-1 West Ham
16:55 , Ben Fleming
It’s also half-time at the Emirates, with Tomiyasu’s goal cancelling out Gueye’s deflected free-kick.
As things stand, City are still on course to win the league but it’s certainly not over just yet. Arsenal need to find a second goal and hope that their London rivals can do them a favour at the Etihad and grab another goal against the run of play.
Don’t go anywhere just yet...
HALF-TIME: Manchester City 2-1 West Ham
16:53 , Ben Fleming
The half-time whistle goes and it’s a slightly tense atmosphere inside the Etihad.
It was all going so smoothly as Foden’s double put the hosts into a commanding 2-0 lead but Kudus’s late acrobatic finish has just made things a bit tetchy.
Manchester City 2-1 West Ham
16:52 , Ben Fleming
45+3 mins: West Ham, spurred on by that goal, push forward again towards the end of the half. Nothing comes of it but Moyes’s side are slowly growing into this game.
At the Emirates, Partey curls a long-range effort just over from the edge of the box.
Manchester City 2-1 West Ham
16:50 , Ben Fleming
45+1 mins: Four minutes of added time begins with yet another spurned chance from Haaland. City’s star striker has a number of great chances this half but can’t keep his latest effort down.
GOAL! Manchester City 2-1 West Ham (Kudus, 43 mins)
16:46 , Ben Fleming
Well, well, well...
You could hear a pin drop in the Etihad right now as, moments after Arsenal’s equaliser, West Ham pull a goal back in extraordinary fashion as Kudus scores a bicycle kick from the corner.
A superb strike from the Ghanian - perhaps goal of the season - and this title race is not over just yet.
Manchester City 2-0 West Ham
16:46 , Ben Fleming
42 mins: Walker gets back diligently to clear a cross behind for a corner while, at the Emirates, it’s a huge goal for Arsenal who equalise just minutes after going behind.
Tomiyausu has the goal, slamming home from the edge of the box.
Manchester City 2-0 West Ham
16:42 , Ben Fleming
39 mins: A huge goal at the Emirates... but it’s for Everton as Idrissa Gueye’s deflected free-kick wrongfoots Raya and flies into the back of the net.
The news is starting to reach the fans in the Etihad who break out into more celebration. They are in total control.
Manchester City 2-0 West Ham
16:39 , Ben Fleming
36 mins: City just taking their foot off the gas here in these last few minutes. West Ham aren’t offering a lot in terms of pressure on the ball so they can quite easily knock the ball about now they have a two-goal lead.
Manchester City 2-0 West Ham
16:34 , Ben Fleming
31 mins: Haaland with another great chance but his effort is partially saved by Areola before the ball trickles wide of the post. He looked offside, though, so it likely would have been ruled out.
Meanwhile, there’s a huge chance for Everton at the Emirates as Calvert-Lewin smashes the outside of the post with a right-footed effort. It remains goalless there.
Manchester City 2-0 West Ham
16:31 , Ben Fleming
27 mins: SAVE! De Bruyne with City’s latest effort but Areola, again, gets across superbly to tip the effort wide. Foden swings in the resulting corner but it’s headed wide by Gvardiol at the near post.
Manchester City 2-0 West Ham
16:28 , Ben Fleming
24 mins: CLOSE! City are rampant and are looking to put this game out of sight by half-time (if it isn’t already).
Mavrapanos does superbly to deny Haaland from close range before Foden’s latest effort stings the palms of Areola.
Still goalless at the Emirates, meanwhile.
GOAL! Manchester City 2-0 West Ham (Foden, 18 mins)
16:21 , Ben Fleming
City have a second and could that be the title race done and dusted?
Doku has made a bright start to this game and finds Foden with a pinpoint cutback from the left wing. The Englishman makes no mistake, sweeping home past Areola to put his side in total control.
Manchester City 1-0 West Ham
16:20 , Ben Fleming
17 mins: CLOSE! De Bruyne finds Rodri’s surging run into the area but the Spaniard’s toe-poked effort can only brush the side-netting. A good chance for Rodri who perhaps had more time over the finish than he thought.
Manchester City 1-0 West Ham
16:18 , Ben Fleming
15 mins: SAVE! A rifling effort from Doku requires a great diving save from Areola to tip the ball over the bar.
Manchester City 1-0 West Ham
16:17 , Ben Fleming
14 mins: West Ham launch their first attack of the game as Emerson bursts through the middle of the pitch. In the end, though, Coufal’s cross is hacked away by Walker and the home fans can breathe a sigh of relief.
At the Emirates, the hosts are in full control but a great stop from Pickford denies the Gunners’ latest effort from Martinelli.
Manchester City 1-0 West Ham
16:13 , Ben Fleming
10 mins: Gvardiol wins a free-kick on the left edge of the penalty area which is whipped in from De Bruyne but punched well clear by Areola.
At the Emirates, Rice has a good chance as the ball falls to him on the edge of the box, but Pickford gets down well to make a smart save.
Manchester City 1-0 West Ham
16:10 , Ben Fleming
6 mins: It’s all City so far. They’ll want to grab a second as soon as possible to try and put this beyond doubt.
At the Emirates, Tomiyasu went close with a header but news of the goal has reached Arsenal fans as well as a delighted set of Everton fans in the away stand.
GOAL! Manchester City 1-0 West Ham (Foden, 2 mins)
16:05 , Ben Fleming
The perfect start for Man City!
Foden was voted the league’s player of the season and it’s easy to see why. A delightful turn as he receives the ball from Silva before smashing a left-footed effort past Areola and into the far corner.
Advantage City.
KICK-OFF! Manchester City 0-0 West Ham
16:03 , Ben Fleming
1 min: A bit later than expected but at last we are underway here at the Etihad stadium.
Here come the players
15:58 , Ben Fleming
Out come the Man City and West Ham players at the Etihad - the atmosphere is palpable.
What has the next 90 minutes or so got in store for us?
Closing in on kick-off
15:52 , Ben Fleming
Just under ten minutes to go until kick-off. Our main focus today will be the action at the Etihad but we’ll also be keeping an eye on Arsenal’s game versus Everton. Here’s a reminder of all the fixtures:
Arsenal vs Everton - live on TNT Sports 1
Brentford vs Newcastle
Brighton vs Manchester United
Burnley vs Nottingham Forest
Chelsea vs Bournemouth - live on Sky Sports Arena/Football
Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa
Liverpool vs Wolves - live on Sky Sports Premier League
Luton vs Fulham
Manchester City vs West Ham - live on Sky Sports Main Event
Sheffield United vs Tottenham
The task awaiting West Ham
15:47 , Ben Fleming
Pep Guardiola’s side have not lost a single home match all season, while Man City are unbeaten in their last 16 Premier League games against West Ham (W13 D3), since a 2-1 home loss in September 2015.
It’s looking ominous if you’re an Arsenal but pressure does weird things to people...
Premier League LIVE
15:42 , Ben Fleming
The atmosphere building nicely outside the Etihad and the Emirates..
Premier League 2023/24 awards: Best player, signing and moments of season
15:37 , Ben Fleming
Manchester City and Arsenal have battled to the finish line in another compelling Premier League season.
Pep Guardiola’s side can win a record fourth-successive Premier League crown at the Etihad on Sunday.
While Sheffield United, Burnley and Luton have all gone straight back down following promotion last year to somewhat reduce the final-day drama.
There are still European places to play for though, with Tottenham, Chelsea, Newcastle United and Manchester United eyeing up Europa League or Europa Conference League action next term - although Erik ten Hag’s side can still qualify through the FA Cup should they defeat Man City in next week’s final.
Premier League LIVE
15:27 , Ben Fleming
They won’t have a say in the title race but it’s still a huge day at Anfield as Liverpool prepare to bid Jurgen Klopp farewell. The scenes outside Anfield earlier as the team bus arrived were quite something:
Final-day permutations
15:20 , Ben Fleming
We’ve got around 40 minutes to go until kick-off, so here’s a quick reminder of how each team can win the title.
If Man City lose, Arsenal will instead win the title if they earn victory against the Toffees, finishing top by a point. Given Guardiola’s side have not lost a single home match all season, though, that seems an improbable outcome at the last.
But they have drawn five of their 18 home league games so far though, and two of their last five at the Etihad in all competitions - and a draw for Man City against West Ham on the final day combined with an Arsenal win would see both teams at the top tied on 89 points.
That would mean the title goes to goal difference, which would see the north London club celebrating a first league championship in 20 years, their last coming in 2003-04, as they currently hold a goal difference one better than City, which would in turn improve with a victory. City’s, naturally, would remain as it is now with a draw.
Saka misses out for Arsenal
15:18 , Ben Fleming
There is injury problems for Arsenal, too as Bukayo Saka misses out on today’s squad entirely due to a ‘slight muscle issue’.
It’s a straight swap as Gabriel Martinelli comes in to replace the Englishman, while there is a spot on the bench for Jurrien Timber after his long spell on the sidelines with an ACL injury.
For Everton, meanwhile, it’s an unchanged team from their 1-0 win against Sheffield United.
Arsenal XI: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Tomiyasu, Rice, Partey, Odegaard, Trossard, Martinelli, Havertz.
Everton XI: Pickford, Coleman, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Young, Garner, Gueye, Onana, McNeil, Doucoure, Calvert-Lewin.
West Ham team news
15:13 , Ben Fleming
Two changes for West Ham but there’s a big blow as Jarrod Bowen misses out, reportedly through illness.
With Bowen out, David Moyes looks to have moved to a back five, with Creswell coming into defence and Mavropanos preferred to Ogbonna.
West Ham XI: Areola; Coufal, Zouma, Mavropanos, Cresswell, Emerson, Ward-Prowse, Soucek, Paqueta, Kudus, Antonio.
Subs: Fabianski, Johnson, Alvarez, Cornet, Ings, Earthy, Casey, Mubama, Ogbonna.
Man City team news
15:08 , Ben Fleming
Two changes for Man City from their 1-0 win over Tottenham as Doku is preferred to Kovacic, while the injured Ederson is replaced by Ortega in goal. There’s a huge boost, too, as De Bruyne is passed fit to start.
Walker makes his 300th appearance for the club.
Man City XI: Ortega; Walker, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol, Rodri, Silva, De Bruyne, Foden, Doku, Haaland.
Subs: Carson, Stones, Ake, Kovacic, Grealish, Alvarez, Nunes, Bobb, Lewis.
And here’s the Arsenal vs Everton lineups
15:04 , Ben Fleming
Team news is in!
15:01 , Ben Fleming
First up, Man City vs West Ham
Team news coming shortly
14:55 , Ben Fleming
Team news for all of today’s ten games should be coming shortly. We’ll keep our eyes out for any surprises from those two title-deciding fixtures.
The legacy of Pep Guardiola’s Man City – and why they may never be truly loved
14:50 , Ben Fleming
Pep Guardiola is on the brink of history. “One game, destiny in our hands,” he said, relishing the scenario rather than deflecting attention from it. A fourth consecutive English title would be an unparalleled achievement. It would also be a very popular one; within the Manchester City fanbase, anyway.
And in the wider world? “F***, I don’t know,” replied a dismissive Guardiola. “I don’t go knocking on doors asking people what they think. I don’t know, honestly.”
And if he is sufficiently busy that he scarcely had time to double up as a pollster, canvassing opinions, if many people in football are insulated from the outside world, there is a broader question of how City are viewed. As a great team? Definitely, and they will be even if they lose to West Ham on Sunday and Arsenal supplant them at the top of the table. As the best side in Europe? They were last season but, however often they are described as such, that status surely belongs with either the relentless Real Madrid or even Xabi Alonso’s unbeaten Bayer Leverkusen, based on the evidence of the current campaign. As a side whose achievements often come with a caveat? For now, certainly, given that 115 Premier League charges still hang over City. That said, if the eventual verdict is that City breached regulations for years to create the conditions for their current era of dominance, the fundamental fault for that was not committed by Guardiola or his players.
