Manchester City celebrated their coronation as Premier League champions of the 2022/2023 season, by defeating visiting London outfit Chelsea 1-0 in their Matchday 37 clash at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The Cityzens who were heavily rotated by manager Pep Guardiola following their confirmation as top-flight champions on Saturday when nearest challengers Arsenal failed to beat Nottingham Forest, began brightly and dominated proceedings.
It was only a matter of time before the opening goal came, which arrived courtesy of Argentine World Cup winner Julian Alvarez in the 12th minute. A pass from Cole Palmer was received by Alvarez on the edge of the area and his effort beat Chelsea shot-stopper Kepa Arrizabalaga to give the hosts the lead.
Pep Guardiola’s side had another opportunity to double their advantage just before the half-hour mark, but Phil Foden’s chipped effort went wide.
The second half saw the Blues assert themselves into the tie, with Enzo Fernandez firing a weak shot. The best chance for the visitors fell to Raheem Sterling, whose shot was cleared off the line by former teammate John Stones.
Manchester City soon scored a second through Julian Alvarez, who finished off a cross from Riyad Mahrez but his effort was chalked off by center referee Michael Oliver – who adjudged that the Algerian had handled the ball in the build-up.
Cesar Azpilicueta and Trevor Chalobah both came close to responding for the Blues, but the Cityzens defence could not be breached.
Pep Guardiola brought on his star players like Kevin de Bruyne and Erling Haaland, though it had no bearing on the result as the Cityzens coasted to a comfortable victory in their last home fixture of the campaign.
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FULL-TIME AT THE ETIHAD STADIUM: Manchester City 1-0 Chelsea
SECOND HALF UNDERWAY AT THE ETIHAD STADIUM: Manchester City 1-0 Chelsea
On a day of celebration for Man City, Julian Alvarez’s fine finish has the champions in the lead at the break.
HALF-TIME AT THE ETIHAD STADIUM: Manchester City 1-0 Chelsea
GOOOAAALLL!!! Manchester City 1-0 Chelsea (J. Alvarez)
12′ MIN: A dream start for the champions! Julian Alvarez receives the ball from Cole Palmer on the edge of the Chelsea area and finishes well across the goalkeeper.
KICK-OFF AT THE ETIHAD STADIUM: Manchester City 0-0 Chelsea
This Super Sunday fixture is simply a heavyweight clash on paper, as there is absolutely nothing left for both teams to play for as the season draws to a close.
The Cityzens were confirmed champions of the 2022/2023 campaign with three games to spare, following closest challengers Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat away to Nottingham Forest on Saturday night, which saw Pep Guardiola’s side do the three-peat and also racking up a fifth title in six seasons.
The changes have thus rung out for the Cityzens, who can afford to give a deserved rest to their key players after a great week that saw them seal passage to the UEFA Champions League Final, and clinching the PL title.
As for Chelsea, they will be looking to finish the campaign on a strong note by nicking a decent result in Manchester.
Apex Football News 