The champagne isnt so much on ice for Manchester City, but ready to be popped and sprayed all round the Etihad. Last nights comprehensive win over Aston Villa, means that given their superior goal difference, a point at home to West Ham on Sunday will secure Manuel Pellegrinis men the Premier League title for a second time in three seasons. For so long last night it looked as though City would be denied. For 64 minutes Villa valiantly held out, until the goals started pouring in like the heavy rain that had drenched the Etihad. Edin Dzeko netted twice inside five minutes, before forgotten man Steven Jovetic slotted a tidy finish from outside the box. The pick of the goals game from Yaya Toure however, who finished third in this years Football Writers Player of the Year award. As he has done all season, Toure showcased his power and athleticism by driving away from the Villa defenders, leaving them trailing in his wake as he dribbled from the halfway line before firing past Brad Guzan. The Ivorians brilliant solo effort was Citys 100th league goal of the season. He has scored 20% of them. More importantly though, it means that the title is now within touching distance for Pellegrinis team. On a night when the Abu-Dhabi owned club placed one hand on the trophy, WhatCulture looks back and assess who were the stand out performers.
Simon is an NCTJ qualified sports journalist. He has conducted interviews with Tony Adams and Peter Shilton, while also having work published in The Daily Telegraph and The Sun. Follow him on Twitter via @sr_collings.
