Manchester City secured their fourth-straight Premier League title on Sunday, a perfect reflection of Pep Guardiola’s supremacy in Europe. But it wasn’t easy for City, as they had to battle past Arsenal and Liverpool. At one stage of the season, it looked like Jurgen Klopp would bag his second Premier League title in his swansong campaign. But the Reds lost steam and gave way to Arsenal and City.
The title was up for grabs till the final matchday and City needed a win against to avoid disappointment. A defeat for City and victory for Arsenal would see Mikel Arteta clinch the trophy. But Guardiola’s side cruised to a comfortable 3-1 win, securing their sixth league title in seven seasons.
Here are the top-five moments from the 2023-24 Premier League season:
5. VAR comes under the spotlight
VAR hogged the spotlight right from the opening weekend, when Wolves were denied a penalty against Manchester United after goalkeeper Andre Onana fouled Sasa Kalajdzic. Meanwhile, Liverpool also had to deal with it, with Luis Diaz being denied a goal against Tottenham, as the offside flag was raised. VAR reviewed the attempt but miscommunication led to the goal being ruled out.
4. Profit and Sustainability Rules
Everton were docked 10 points in November due to the Profit and Sustainability Rules. The Merseyside club were then given four points back, and then were again docked two points. Nottingham Forest also suffered the same, receiving a four-point deduction.
3. Roy Keane attacks Erling Haaland
After Manchester City were held to a 0-0 draw against Arsenal, Manchester United legend and TV pundit Roy Keane decided to attack Erling Haaland with some harsh criticism. Speaking on air, he said, “The levels of his general play is so poor.”
“He’s almost like a League Two player,” he added. Keane also has a sour history with Haaland’s father Alf-Inge.
2. Jurgen Klopp’s resignation
Midway through the season, fans were left shocked as Jurgen Klopp announced that he would be departing Liverpool after the campaign. It was shocking as Klopp had been active in the transfer market, which hinted that he was going to stay for a longer period. Klopp and Liverpool finished third this season, calling time to a era where they also won a Premier League title and Champions League trophy.
1. Stefan Ortega’s title-deciding save against Son Heung-Min
City faced Tottenham in their second-last Premier League fixture and the title was at stake. Trailing 0-1, Tottenham got an excellent chance to equalise in the 86th minute, when Akanji’s loose touch saw Brennan Johnson play Son clean through on goal. But Ortega made a stunning save, with his outstretched right leg. Minutes later, Haaland completed his brace, making it 2-0.