May 7 – For the only eighth time in Premier League history, the title will be decided on the final day of the season on Sunday with Manchester City in pole position to retain their crown following one of the iconic goals in recent memory.
A one-point advantage over Liverpool means that City will take the honours if they win at Brighton — even if Juergen Klopp’s team beat Wolverhampton Wanderers at home. Liverpool could end the season trophy-less if they fail to achieve the unlikely feat of overcoming a 3-0 deficit in the Champions League against Barcelona tonight, despite having lost only one domestic league game.
Incredibly the lead at the top of the table has changed hands no fewer than 32 times this season. All games this Sunday kick off at the same time but with most issues already decided in terms of relegation and European spots, all eyes will be on the final race for glory at the top.
Manchester United were the last side to retain the English title in 2008-9 but the balance of power in the north-western city has shifted firmly to the Blue side of town as City moved back into the driving seat with last night’s 1-0 victory over Leicester. City were indebted to their captain Vincent Kompany.
City, who have lost four games to Liverpool’s one, were struggling to break through when Kompany came to the rescue with a stunning strike in the 70th minute to score his first goal of the season and his first ever from outside the penalty area.
“Everyone was saying don’t shoot but I’ve not come this far in my career to be told when I can and can’t shoot,” the Belgian told Sky. “I’ve had 15 years of top-level midfielders telling me not to shoot but I always told them one day I am going to have a shot from outside the box and I’m going to score a goal.”
City manager Pep Guardiola, who admitted he was one of those who urged Kompany not to shoot, insisted the pressure is still very much on his side. “Liverpool play without pressure because they know it is not in their hands,” said Guardiola. “But one more game.”
It will come as no consolation to Liverpool, who have still not won the Premier League since it was set up in 1992, that they are on course to end the season with the highest ever points total for the runners-up, being currently on 94.
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