20 May 2023 , 21:31
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Erling Haaland claimed giving your best "pays off" after Manchester City were confirmed as champions.
The Norwegian has claimed top flight glory in his first year in England - in which he's broken numerous Premier League goalscoring records. City have won 11 on the bounce and hit form at the perfect time whilst their title rivals, Arsenal, have dropped off.
The Gunners' poor form continued at Nottingham Forest, where defeat mathematically ended their challenge with one weekend of the season remaining. City had the chance to wrap up the title on Sunday against Chelsea, but will now play that game knowing the trophy will remain at the Etihad.
Their success is City's third in succession - equalling the Premier League record held by Manchester United. Haaland has bagged 36 goals this term - the most in the Premier League era and has posted on social media after being crowned a champion. He said: "Always give your best. Always believe. It pays off. C'MON CITY!"
City's league victory could yet form one part of a treble - which would make them only the second English side to achieve the feat. They still have to negotiate Manchester United in the FA Cup final and Inter Milan in the Champions League.
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Captain Ilkay Gundogan, whose future in Manchester remains unclear, said on their latest triumph: “To have helped the club win a third straight Premier League title is something very special. The Premier League is without doubt the most demanding and competitive league in the world - so that tells you everything about what an achievement this is.
Erling Haaland is a Premier League champion“This squad is so talented and so special and to have been captain this season has been an enormous privilege. I would also like to thank Pep, all the backroom staff and everyone who works across this football club. Every single day they help provide us as players with everything we need in order to try to be successful. There is no way we could have won this title without all their support.”
City have won five of the past six titles under Guardiola as their stranglehold on the top flight continues. Haaland was added to a side that had achieved their past two leagues without a conventional No 9 as their Catalan boss opted to play without a striker.
The Norwegian has added another dimension however despite some doubting his impact given City's desire to control games. There was even stages in the middle of the campaign where others questioned if Haaland has improved City as an outfit, but those have been dispelled.