Man City win Premier League: Five key games that helped lead Pep Guardiola’s side to the title

MANCHESTER CITY have wrapped up the Premier League title with five games still to play.

Few would deny they have been head and shoulders above the rest as manager Pep Guardiola has finally put his imprint on the squad.

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And while the Etihad Stadium has become a fortress, City have impressed playing away from their loyal supporters.

The likes of Leroy Sane, Raheem Sterling and even the previously much-maligned Nicolas Otamendi have found their feet with some style.

So it is little wonder the Premier League title has headed the same way as the Carabao Cup has gone.

Here, SunSport runs through five matches that were instrumental to them winning the league.

August 26 - Bournemouth (a) W2-1

City's largely unconvincing start to the season looked set to continue with a draw against the Cherries at the Vitality.

Gabriel Jesus had cancelled out a stunner frm Charlie Daniels but there was no sign of City finding the winner.

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Then deep into stoppage time Sterling steered home a scruffy winner - getting a second yellow card for his wild celebrations.

It was almost worth it though - that was the start of an 18 match winning strieak which pretty much guaranteed them the title.

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September 30 - Chelsea (a) W1-0

Not so much the result - although that was an excellent one - it was more the manner of the performance.

City went to Stamford Bridge and completely dominated against the reigning champions.

Kevin de Bruyne fired a thumping second half winner and this victory gave City huge confidence to push on.

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November 29 - Southampton (h) W2-1

City's winning streak looked to be coming to an end as Romeu equalised for Saints late on following De Bruyne's opener.

But Sterling was the stoppage time hero once again as he drifted along the edge of the box.

He then shaped a lovely shot into the far corner sparking jubilant scenes around the Etihad.

Guardiola was clearly pumped up as he had a heated exchange with Saints' Nathan Redmond after the final whistle.

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December 10 - Manchester United (a) W2-1

There was a lot of hype surrounding the first derby of the season which saw the top two go head-to-head.

City once again took command of the game although David Silva's opener was cancelled out by Marcus Rashford.

But Otamendi volleyed in a second half winner and Guardiola's men ended up worthy winners - and 11 points clear at the top.

The match was remembered for the tunnel row between players and backroom staff soon after the full-time whistle.

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January 20 - Newcastle (h) W3-1

Guardiola had said all season he wanted to know how his players would respond after a defeat - and this was what he was looking for.

The previous week they had been beaten 4-3 at Liverpool but they clearly did not let it affect them.

Sergio Aguero struck a hat-trick as City eventually found away through the defensive tactics of Rafa Benitez.

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