The conclusion of the English Premier League 2023/24 season was a moment of true sporting history as Manchester City, with their fourth division title win, etched their name in the annals of football. They ruthlessly overpowered West Ham United on that fateful Sunday, sealing a 3-1 victory. This triumph marked their 10th crown in the English footballing topflight, a testament to the impact of their manager’s leadership.
Here are the memorable moments in the recently closed 2023/24 season of the English Premier League:
Man City won their fourth consecutive title
The weekend was crucial for Manchester City, as they won their fourth consecutive title in the English Premier League, breaking records in the competition’s history. Man City won the EPL title race after a few harrowing months of intense competition with their rivals Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester United.
FOUR-IN-A-ROW!!!!
We’re @premierleague champions 🏆🏆🏆🏆 pic.twitter.com/blRyxjPqJB
— Manchester City (@ManCity) May 19, 2024
The English Premier League championship trophy was the third achievement that Man City received this season, following their recent win in the FIFA Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup. The feat of winning their fourth successive title makes them the prevalent force in English football, beating the achievements of Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United, and Huddersfield Town’s feat of only three consecutive titles.
Kevin de Bruyne returns
Manchester City’s lucky charm, Kevin de Bruyne, was injured earlier this season. For five months, he nursed a hamstring injury, which prevented him from helping his team through the rest of the season. De Bruyne’s absence severely impacted the Blues’ performance in consecutive matches.
The Belgian wonder returned to James Park earlier this year as City clashed with Newcastle United and immediately showcased fire. Initially, Pep Guardiola’s side was on the brink of giving up their title to Newcastle. However, the Belgian’s return led to the side’s victory.
VAR controversy in English Premier League
The English Premier League opening weekend has been mired in a VAR controversy. Wolverhampton Wolves were robbed of a last-minute penalty save even though Manchester goalie Andre Onana managed to keep Sasa Kalajdzic.
Another incident involving the VAR was when Liverpool was allegedly forced to make a vast mistake when Luis Diaz thought he had already scored against Tottenham in the 34th minute of the match. However, he was mistaken because the offside flag was elevated.
Salah vs Klopp
Coach Jurgen Klopp’s decision to quit Liverpool severely impacted the rest of the English Premier League season. Initially, the decision greatly affected his men’s performance in the tournament.
Throughout the season, the Reds suffered many injuries that reduced their effectiveness on the pitch. Their performance in the Carabao Cup was lukewarm, and their 4-3 loss to Manchester United triggered Liverpool’s collapse.
An incident in a match against West Ham led to a spirited argument over the goal line between Mohamed Salah and coach Klopp. After a few sensible talks, the pair eventually made up.
Jurgen Klopp on the incident with Mohamed Salah:
“We talked in the dressing room and it’s done.” pic.twitter.com/yNvf1nzY8v
— Anything Liverpool (@AnythingLFC_) April 27, 2024
Arteta went berserk
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta went nuts when Newcastle forward Anthony Gordon’s victory was allowed to prevail.
Following the three incidents that led to the goal being analyzed in the VAR, Artenta was angered and called the incident “embarrassing.” In an interview with the Gunners’ boss, Arteta said the incident was an “absolute disgrace.”
Lockyer broke down
Luton Town’s team captain, Tom Lockyer, collapsed in the 59th minute of their clash against Bournemouth on their home ground later last year.
The match at the Vitality Stadium was eventually abandoned after Lockyer’s collapse. However, the good that came out of the incident was when Lockyer’s life was saved from what was later determined as a result of a cardiac arrest. In the days that followed, he underwent an ICD (implantable cardioverter defibrillator). The English Premier League decided that the abandoned match had to be retaken. The clash eventually played out again on March 13, when Lockyer returned, thanking the medical personnel who helped him. However, Luton Town allowed Bournemouth to score, eventually leading to a 4-3 loss.
The conclusion of the 2023/24 season of the English Premier League crowned Manchester City the most successful English club in European football. Although the season ended, we will never forget the iconic moments that made it unforgettable.
