My Football Facts ⇒ Articles
Written by Martin Graham | May 23 2022
and breathe.
In a season that seemed uncertain after a number of surrenders in other competitions and slipped points in the simplest matches, the Citizens managed to defend the Premier League title to finish the season at the highest level.
Manchester City, the English Premier League champions 2021/22.
It was an emotional afternoon for the club, who will surely take some time to celebrate this win as it was the toughest to fight for the title.
Post-game reactions covered that feeling. These are the best pieces from the locker room for the six-times Premier League champions after their last win.
Grealish: ‘I was in tears after the win’
City’s most expensive contract signing, Jack Grealish, has not had the best introduction to the major leagues. However, he has shown glimpses of the talent that made City spend £100m on him in the summer.
After the victory over the club he grew up in, Grealish told the Manchester City website: “It’s unbelievable. I ran through the tunnel and cried. Honestly, I can’t describe it in words, I cried my eyes out. The medal means everything. For me, I didn’t win it.” Never, so I’m very happy!
“As a kid, you wanted to win the Premier League and win the Premier League… I honestly can’t describe it in words.
“We know how good the Villa team is and they have shown it. With our quality we can beat anyone.”
He added: “[Describing season] In four words, harder than I thought. I enjoyed every minute. I’m out of my comfort zone but honestly that makes up for me.”
Foden: Gundogan’s goal matches Aguero’s moment
Man City were on the verge of giving up again, but Guardiola’s inspiring changeover saw the introduction of German midfielder Ilkay Gundogan changed the game.
Gundogan pulled one back and then scored the winning goal in a tense quarter-final to confirm the club’s successful defense, and Premier League Young Player of the Year Phil Foden believes he was closer to the famous ‘Aguerooooooo’ moment.
“You sure should be there with Sergio’s moment!” Foden said. “The team that Pep built, we always believe until the end. Not many teams can do that.
“Still not fully affected. I couldn’t believe we lost two goals. The courage we showed was incredible so I am very happy to be part of this special team.”
Foden particularly praised Gundogan for giving the club another iconic moment on the 10th anniversary of this famous goal, stating: “What a man! He came and changed the whole game! He always knows where the ball is in and around the penalty area.”
“He is a smart player. He was always there in the right place and at the right time.”
Stones: the city has character
Defender John Stones, who began playing left-back, praised the team’s personality. “We’ve won it four times now,” he said. “We won it with quite a few games left, the last day of the season three years ago and quite a few games to spare the third time and today. [it went] right to the wire.
“I don’t know what the goal difference was, but I know it was tight. It just shows the amazing character of us as a team, how much we want it and how much we fight for each other and for everything that is about this club.”
