5 talking points as Man City assert title dominance in win over Chelsea
Manchester City 's homecoming saw them chalk up yet another victory as they toasted their most recent title success with a 1-0 success over Chelsea.
City, already crowned as champions following Arsenal's defeat to Nottingham Forest, were aiming to round off their home campaign in positive fashion. Julian Alvarez got the party underway early as he profited from a Wesley Fofana mistake and scored with a lethal finish.
The Argentine had the ball in the net again in the second-half, whilst Riyad Mahrez also scored but both goals were ruled out. One was enough though as Pep Guardiola 's side celebrated another wonderful Premier League campaign.
Here are all the talking points from the Etihad Stadium:
Sterling congratulates ex-teammates
Raheem Sterling would certainly be used to the feeling of receiving a guard of honour at the Etihad Stadium. The winger won four Premier League titles during his time with Man City before leaving for Chelsea last summer.
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He was in the opposite position this time as he applauded an array of his former teammates onto the pitch. It is the latest chapter in what has been a difficult season for the England forward after just nine goals in his debut campaign at Stamford Bridge.
He might have felt better after receiving a warm applause as he left the pitch midway through the second-half.
Chelsea form a guard of honour for Man City at the Etihad Stadium (Getty Images)Do you think Man City will win the treble this season? Share your thoughts in the comments below
Alvarez no deputy
Whilst Erling Haaland has assumed the majority of the goalscoring burden this season - the Norwegian with an eye-watering 52 goals to his name - Alvarez's efforts also have to be praised. The Argentine has enjoyed a brilliant debut season with Man City.
His strike against Chelsea was his 17th goal of the campaign in all competitions. The movement that he displayed to ghost off of the back of Thiago Silva before latching onto Cole Palmer's cool pass was exquisite.
His finish was also unerring and another argument to suggest that he is not just simply Haaland's back-up at the Etihad.
Phillips finally gets chance
In what is one of the more surprising statistics of the season, Kalvin Phillips was afforded his first Premier League start of the season against Chelsea. The £40m man has struggled during his debut season and has been linked with an exit - Liverpool among those interested.
His performance underlined to Pep Guardiola that he might be worthy of staying with City though. He went very close to getting on the scoresheet as he fired an effort from distance wide before a second-half header hit the post.
He was also very useful in possession as his excellent pass teed-up Phil Foden for a chipped effort, whilst he also left Conor Gallagher frustrated with a clever turn to keep the ball.
Kalvin Phillips impressed on his first Premier League start for Man City (Getty Images)City attack unusually quiet
With the Premier League title already secure, it was certainly no shock to see Man City take their foot off the gas somewhat. After taking the lead, the hosts were happy to just control possession and not exert themselves too much.
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Indeed, they only had three shots on target throughout the entire game, an uncharacteristically low count for the side. It was also just the third time this season that City have scored one goal or fewer at home in the Premier League.
It wasn't for the lack of trying as both Alvarez and Riyad Mahrez had goals ruled out in the second half.
Guardiola plots treble route
If you'd ask Pep Guardiola, he would suggest that there are no thoughts of the treble. His team selection said otherwise.
The Spaniard left the vast majority of his stars on the bench including Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne, Rodri, Ederson and many more. Some supporters were suggesting that it was the best bench ever seen in the Premier League.
With the FA Cup and Champions League finals on the horizon, it was probably a good decision for Guardiola to leave all of them out - albeit most of them getting brief cameos. The fact that they were able to down Chelsea with little hardship is a huge message to both Manchester United and Inter Milan.
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