With widespread reports indicating Pep Guardiola's imminent departure from Manchester City following Sunday's concluding Premier League fixture, attention has turned to the remarkable legacy he will leave behind. BBC Sport has published a comprehensive look back at the defining moments and pivotal games that underpinned each of his six Premier League title victories, offering insight into the tactical masterclasses and high-stakes encounters that shaped an unprecedented era of dominance.
Guardiola arrived in Manchester in 2016 and, after a trophyless first season, quickly established a formidable force. His first Premier League title in the 2017-18 season saw City become the first team to reach 100 points, a campaign highlighted by a dominant 4-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at the Etihad in December, which extended their winning streak to 16 games. The following season, the title race went down to the wire, with a crucial 1-0 win away at Brighton & Hove Albion on the final day securing the trophy by a single point over Liverpool.
The 2020-21 season, largely played behind closed doors, saw City reclaim the title, with a memorable 2-0 victory over rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford in November providing a significant psychological boost. The subsequent 2021-22 campaign once again involved a nail-biting finish, culminating in a dramatic 3-2 comeback win against Aston Villa on the final day, after being two goals down, to pip Liverpool by a point. This game saw Ilkay Gündoğan score twice, including the decisive winner.
Guardiola's most recent triumphs further cemented his status. The 2022-23 season saw City secure a third consecutive title, part of a historic treble. A commanding 4-1 home victory against Arsenal in April, a direct title rival, was widely seen as the moment City seized control. This season, 2023-24, has seen City achieve an unprecedented fourth consecutive Premier League title. While no single game definitively sealed it before the final match, a hard-fought 2-0 win away at Tottenham Hotspur in mid-May, a fixture where City have historically struggled, proved crucial, with Erling Haaland scoring both goals.
These defining matches underscore Guardiola's tactical adaptability, his team's resilience under pressure, and the sheer quality of the squads he has assembled. His potential departure marks the end of an era that has reshaped English football, leaving an indelible mark on Manchester City and the Premier League.
Source: BBC Sport