Manchester City Win Premier League In Treble Chase

After spending the entire season on top of the Premier League table, it seemed clear that Arsenal was going to win the 2022-23 league. However, after three draws and losses to both Manchester City and Brighton & Hove Albion, Arsenal’s previous eight-point lead and hopes of a first title since the 2003-04 season dwindled.

On May 20, Arsenal played Nottingham Forest and lost 0-1, leaving them unable to catch up to Manchester City, who were four points ahead (teams earn three points for a win, one for a draw, and none for a loss) with only one game left. After their home game to Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester City officially lifted the Premier League trophy.

This is City’s fifth title in six years. “To have won this trophy three times in a row and five times in six years is incredible,” captain İlkay Gündoğan said. Only one other team, Manchester United, has managed three wins in a row, in 1998-2001 and 2006-2009. 

Pep Guardiola, City’s manager, has put together a team that is, undeniably, very good. Their quality and consistency has led to widespread success, and their roster is packed with stars like Erling Haaland and Kevin de Bruyne. Against Chelsea, with the title already secured, Guardiola rested most of his best team—who had just beaten Real Madrid 4-0 a few days prior in the Champions League—and wound up with a bench worth £475 million. 

Despite City’s impressive victory, their looming charges have cast a shadow over their title. In February, they were charged with over a hundred alleged breaches of the league’s financial rules that occurred from 2009-2018. 

The Premier League has several financial fair play rules that, in short, are meant to ensure clubs spend the same amount they earn. According to the Premier League, City has failed to provide “accurate financial information that gives a true and fair view of the club's financial position.” They have also been accused of failing to cooperate with the investigation against them. City denies all charges and is currently fighting to overturn them. 

Moving forward, City will attempt to win three trophies in a single season and gain a historic treble, a feat no English team besides Manchester United (1998-1999) have accomplished. This, in addition to their Premier League title, would include FA Cup and Champions League titles. They will face Manchester United in the FA Cup final on June 3rd, and Inter Milan on June 10th for the Champions League final.

by ELISSA FAN