Manchester City Are EPL Champions But There Are Still Plenty Of Races To Watch

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – In a strange and topsy-turvy season, Manchester City are officially the English Premier League champions for the 2020/21 season.

They once again showed flashes of brilliance throughout the season and this win is well deserved. After Manchester United lost at home to Leicester City on Tuesday, it handed the title to their neighbors. The same slew of fixtures from the weekend and midweek saw West Bromwich Albion and Fulham join Sheffield United as the relegated teams from the EPL.

All that’s left is the race for the Champions League places, and two spots that will likely be fought between Chelsea, Leicester and Liverpool, with the latter getting a massive result at Old Trafford on Thursday, a 4-2 victory that closed the gap, with a game in hand.

"35 years, and we’re still here!" 💙

Our wait for a 🏆 finally ended ten years ago today at Wembley.

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🔷 #ManCity | https://t.co/axa0klD5re

— Manchester City (@ManCity) May 14, 2021

Chelsea and Leicester face off in the FA Cup final on ESPN + Saturday, 10:15 a.m. kick-off and they’ll face each over next week in the league, which could have a major bearing in the Champions League chase.

La Liga is also at its best as the title is a close-run affair, with Atletico Madrid just two points above Real Madrid (coincides with ESPN announcing a deal to televise La Liga next season). In Ligue 1, Lille currently sit three points clear of Paris Saint Germain with just two games to go, in what would be a pleasant surprise if they can hold on against St Etienne and Angers. With England, Germany, Italy and Portugal all wrapped up title-wise, it’s definitely worth keeping an eye on those other two run in’s.

La Liga is coming to ESPN next season and Gerard Pique is just as excited as we are! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/Rl0SdSZx9t

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) May 14, 2021

Also, keep an eye on the Championship playoffs in England to see who joins Norwich and Watford in getting promoted to the EPL for the 2021/22 season. These games are often high drama, with Bournemouth vs Brentford and Barnsley Vs Swansea all kicking off next Monday on ESPN +.

Newcastle United v. Manchester City

Why not watch the newly crowned champions up at Newcastle on Friday lunchtime? Kicking off at 1:00 p.m. on NBCSN. Newcastle after a torrid time in the middle part of the season was able to string some results together and get safe, in their last six games they picked up 11 points, with a late win against West Ham and a last kick of the game draw against Liverpool reeling off some of their late-season heroics.

Joe Willock, on loan from Arsenal, coming up in big moments time and time again. Allan Saint-Maximin entertaining all the neutrals, with some breathtaking skills and attacking ability, if he could just get a manager or a move somewhere that could unleash his ability more consistently, he’d be one of the more entertaining players in the EPL.

With the club still up for sale, I’m unsure of the plans for the summer transfer window, but they certainly need additions to make themselves more comfortable and competitive next season. Otherwise, they’ll likely be in a similar position same time next year.

Manchester City clinch the 1st Division title at Newcastle United 53 years ago in May 1968 pic.twitter.com/t2IKRE6h2l

— City On A Card (@CityOnACard1) May 14, 2021

City, what can we say? The manager is incredible, the squad and depth are also incredible. Have they had to work hard like their last title? I don’t think so…This is no disrespect to City, worthy champions. But they were rarely pushed. And at times it felt like they didn’t have to get out of second gear.

This is also a compliment, they toyed with those around them. Phil Foden getting a run of games and proving he has the makings of a very good footballer for club and country. Sterling and Mahrez coming up big in vital moments at different times of the season. Kevin De Bruyne wowing us with his vision and execution. Ruben Dias’ arrival sparking a fight for minutes at center back with Laporte and Stones all rotating.

And then there was German midfielder, IIkay Gündogan who was arguably their player of the season, with 16 goals in all competitions, and went on a hot streak when the games came thick and fast.

The soccer was slick, and it was fascinating to watch Pep Guardiola navigate the ups and downs of the season. With the Champions League final left to play, in Portugal (from Turkey), we might see some rotation from the champions to keep everyone fresh/rested. But I want a spectacle, with both teams free from the pressure we could see a little showboating, and I have my fingers crossed that Friday kicks off a celebration of the near end of no fans in stadiums. With the last two games of the season see a return, although reduced, of the lifeblood of the club. Score? Who cares, just entertain us.

I’ll be back midweek as the excitement for the Champions League push hots up, and the nose we all love returns to the stadiums.