Manchester City stay the course, defend Premier League as Chelsea somehow finish third

The 2018-19 Premier League season is over. Defending champions Manchester City have won it again — the first time in over a decade that any team has defended the title. It is City’s 4th of the Premier League era (i.e. since 1992), moving them one clear of Arsenal (3) and just one behind Chelsea (5). Manchester United, the all-time leaders in this category finish only sixth.

For the first time in five years, the title race came down to the final day, and for a moment it looked like we might be in for some drama. Liverpool took the early lead against Wolves at Anfield while Manchester City fell behind to a Glenn Murray goal at Brighton. City equalized almost immediately, but entering the day with just a one-point lead, the situation still favored Liverpool.

But just ten minutes later, City were in the lead and from then on, there was only ever going to be one winner. Two second-half goals ensured a solid 4-1 win for Pep Guardiola’s champions. Liverpool’s eventual 2-0 triumph over Wolves means that they finish the season with 97 points, the most ever for a second place team, and enough to win the league in almost every other season.

That’s almost as funny as Spurs failing to beat Everton at home, meaning that Chelsea finish third. So, bragging rights to the Blues over our London rivals and the title to the Sky Blues, over everyone else.

Not the worst outcome.