Manchester City celebrates title with stars on bench and win over Chelsea
NOS Soccer–
It was the ninth national title for the club and the seventh in the last 11 years. The party continued today with a 1-0 win over Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium.
Chelsea’s visitors formed a guard of honor for the champion beforehand and to loud applause from the fans the players entered the field. With the title in his pocket, Pep Guardiola was able to rotate considerably. Thus, there was unprecedented capital on the bench, with Ilkay Gündogan, Erling Haaland, Jack Grealish, Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva.
Guardiola gave 18-year-old Rico Lewis and 21-year-old Cole Palmer, who both went through City’s youth training, a chance in the starting lineup. In Haaland’s absence, Julián Álvarez was in the striker position. The Argentine world champion opened the scoring in the 12th minute off a pass from Palmer with a well-aimed shot into the corner.
City’s richly filled bench cheered with joy at this fine goal. Moments later, it was Palmer, who provided much threat from the left side, and Lewis who set up another chance. When it came to finishing, however, Álvarez and Phil Foden got in each other’s way.
De Bruyne and Haaland, among others, came on as substitutes in the closing stages. Haaland did not have to wait long for a chance. The Norwegian striker’s shot went far wide. It could not spoil the fun. After the final whistle, the field was stormed and the championship was further celebrated.
Veltman with Brighton into Europe
Earlier on Sunday, Brighton & Hove Albion qualified for European soccer for the first time in history. The team of former Ajax player Joël Veltman secured a place in the top seven of the Premier League with a victory over already relegated Southampton (3-1).
Chances are Brighton will finish sixth and thus enter the Europa League. The team that finishes seventh gets a ticket to the Conference League.
Veltman, a regular at the English club since his arrival in 2020, was substituted against Southampton fifteen minutes before time. The final score was on the scoreboard by then. The 18-year-old Irish striker Evan Ferguson scored twice.
