Manchester City celebrate first step of the treble

• Manchester City have won the Premier League for the ninth time and the third year in a row
• The club was presented with the trophy on Sunday evening after a 1-0 victory over Chelsea at the Etihad
• This was just the first step of their treble bid with the FA Cup and the UEFA Champions League finals set to come their way

Manchester City marked their fifth Premier League title in six seasons with a jubilant celebration alongside their fans. The team received the trophy for a third consecutive season after defeating Chelsea 1-0 in their final home match at the Etihad Stadium. This recent triumph may be the first step towards a potential treble, as Manchester City still has the FA Cup and the UEFA Champions League finals ahead, where they will face Manchester United and Inter Milan, respectively.

The confirmation of the title on Saturday evening, following Arsenal’s loss to Nottingham Forest, ignited a festive atmosphere among supporters.

Thousands of fans gathered outside the stadium entrance to welcome the team, setting off blue flares and chanting “champions” as the players arrived. The celebratory mood persisted throughout the game and long after the final whistle.

READ: Manchester City looming treble, their contrast to 1998/99 Manchester United

The trophy presentation was briefly delayed due to the overwhelming number of fans who stormed onto the pitch at the end of the game. Eventually, the trophy was handed to manager Pep Guardiola and the players on a podium at the centre circle. They then embarked on a lap of honour to express their gratitude to the supporters.

Manchester City players lifting the Premier League trophy in front of their fans at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, May 21 2023. | PHOTO: Premier League |

Prior to kick-off, Chelsea formed a guard of honour as a gesture of respect for Manchester City’s achievement. Fans enthusiastically performed the ‘Poznan’ fan dance during the game, relishing the occasion. Both on the field and in the dressing room, the players, accompanied by their families, appeared to thoroughly enjoy themselves, as captured in pictures.

However, as full-back Kyle Walker emphasized, with two significant matches still ahead, the celebrations would remain modest. The focus shifts to the FA Cup against their rivals and the Champions League final on June 10, and the team aims to make history with the club while cherishing the title victory on this day, savouring a few glasses of champagne.

“We’re not finished, we’ve got the FA Cup against our bitter rivals and the Champions League final on June 10,” Walker told Sky Sports.