Four things we learnt as Manchester City triumphed over West Ham
Kyle Walker of Manchester City lifts the Premier League Trophy after their team's victory during the Premier League match between Manchester City and West Ham United at Etihad Stadium on May 19, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)

After a treble last season, Manchester City further cemented their place in the history books as they won their fourth consecutive Premier League title with a 3-1 victory against West Ham United.

Any pre-match nerves on the blue half of the Manchester were quickly settled by Phil Foden stunner from outside the box within two minutes.

The Premier League Player of the Season then added to his tally after guiding in a low cross from Jeremy Doku.

An incredible overhead kick from Mohammed Kudus placed a seed of uncertainty in the Etihad Stadium, but, once more, the would-be champions eased the ripples of anxiety through a cool strike from Rodri.

It is the club's sixth title in the eight years since Pep Guardiola joined from Bayern Munich.

Man City's have won their eighth Premier League trophy to add to their hoard of silverware under Guardiola.

The Spaniard has surged the Sky Blues into the dominant outfit in English football though it hasn't been a straightforward journey.

Arsenal and his former assistant Mikel Arteta were hot on his heels, eventually falling short by just two points.

This was the third time that the Citizens won the title on the final day of the season, having pipped Liverpool to the post in 2018/19 and 2021/22 as well as the famous Sergio Aguero winner that saw them edge rivals Manchester United in 2011/12.

There were suspicions of a dip in performance as they spent Christmas Day in fifth place, but have been unbeaten since the turn of the year.

It remains to be seen how such a footballing machine can be stopped domestically. They also have the chance to retain the double as they face Man United in the FA Cup final next weekend.

  • A drab ending for West Ham shows Lopetegui what is required

While a ninth placed finish is more than respectable for West Ham, the end of the campaign was dogged with heavy defeats and poor performances.

A UEFA Europa League run cut short by Bundesliga invincibles Bayer Leverkusen meant there was little to play for but pride and seeing off manager David Moyes in decent fashion.

The Scotsman lead the club to a UEFA Conference League last year, but the reliance on low block, pragmatic football had met its end at the London Stadium.

Incoming boss Julen Lopetegui's task will be to provide an attacking, entertaining style combined with the progress the club made under Moyes.

Lopetegui may not be in the mould of the free-flowing, forthright coaches that some Hammers fans would desire, but he does offer possession-based system that allows for more freedom in the final third.

Kudus, Jarrod Bowen and Lucas Paqueta will likely thrive under a higher press while James Ward-Prowse deep lying play can provide composure in the midfield. Acquisitions in the full-back area may well be needed.

Replicating the heights scaled by Moyes will be a tall order, but a timely change may prove to be fruitful for both parties.

  • Foden form sparks more position debate

Though Foden spent majority of his time on the wings, his most prolific spell came as an attacking midfielder - scoring thirteen and assisting four in fifteen matches in that role.

England manager Gareth Southgate has previously been reluctant to play Man City star Foden in a central attacking role in the national setup, instead opting to place him on the flanks.

Going into UEFA Euro 2024, Southgate will have to contend with the dilemma once more.

But with Jude Bellingham - who is versatile enough to play deeper - the only competition in similar form, the decision may be an increasingly easy one to make.

After a £55 million move from Stade Rennais, Jeremy Doku - like most newbees to the Etihad - took a while to settle.

His pacey dribbling and quick footed style vastly contrasted to the methodical, possession-first mentality of other forwards such as Jack Grealish and Kevin De Bruyne.

Three goals and nine assists is not a shabby return by any means, and the Belgium international's threat has been developing in recent months.

As he showcased against West Ham, his play is becoming more direct, less frantic yet still retaining the eccentricities that Guardiola wants from him.

With a first season now under his belt, Doku now has the experience to refine his game even more next time round.