On Saturday, Manchester City went to the top of the table, but they left it late to get a win over Cottagers.
You can watch LaLiga, Bundesliga, MLS, more on the US version of the network.
When Joao Cancelo conceded a penalty and was sent off 10 minutes later, the mood at the stadium changed and it looked like a typical day for the titleholders. Despite the numerical advantage, the Citizens were able to maintain control of the game.
In a match that needed all of their championship caliber, Kevin De Bruyne was Manchester City's best player. The hosts thought they had taken the lead when the Belgium international connected with Erling Haaland in the 75th minute, but the VAR confirmed he was not.
That looked to be the end of the game for City before De Bruyne won a penalty. Haaland made no mistake in sending the ball from 12 yards to give his team three points.
They got their reward in the end despite being down to 10 men early on. They were able to win the league title because of De Bruyne's form.
An unnecessary challenge from Cancelo made things difficult for his side, turning what looked like a routine afternoon into work for the rest of his teammates.
Despite being a man down, Manchester City seemed to maintain control, and even though he made just two substitution before the end of the game, he did not panic.
There wasn't much for Ederson to do on the day as he didn't get a lot of chances.
A sending off and penalty left Joao Cancelo's side with a lot to do in a game that they were leading at the time he was sent off.
Forced to work hard as the opposition committed numbers forward on the counter- attack down the flanks and was able to stand up to the challenge.
There is a person named Manuel Akanji. Akanji could have done better with his chance at the end of the first half, when he tried to hit the ball with his head.
The play was stretched down the right flank with runs that were hard to pick up. Stones almost got an assist, but the Norway international couldn't get his effort on target.
After Cancelo was ejected from the game, Rodri focused on his defensive duties and helped keep Manchester City in control. Rarely made a wrong decision with passing and was quick to close down the danger to prevent play from developing.
The Germany international controlled play well throughout the match, but his game was best defined by an excellent drive from the middle and a precise pass to assist the opening goal. In the second half, I picked out Haaland with a headed nod-down.
Manchester City's regular talisman looked the most likely to make things happen from the middle as he remained at the center of all promising attacking moves. His players are often unlocked with precise passing. The game was decided by a penalty in the final moments.
FW Jack Grealish looked to make space down the channel before getting crosses into the box. The goalkeeper was replaced by Phil Foden after two unsuccessful attempts on goal.
He put Manchester City into the lead after timing his run behind the defence perfectly and hitting a powerful strike. Just after the hour mark, replaced by Haaland
Silva made it difficult for his opponents to close him down, but the final ball wasn't at his usual standard.
Erling Haaland had the ball in the back of the net, but the VAR found that he was not in a good position. The game was sealed with moments to spare.
Phil Foden was introduced just after the hour mark and faced the same struggles as Grealish in trying to create opportunities from the flanks. When combined in central areas, it looked even more impressive.
The N/R was brought on to help see out the last seconds of the game.
All Rights Reserved © 2024
