Vincent Kompany has declared Manchester City’s second title in three years must be the start of an era of domination and not another false dawning of a blue moon.
Needing only a point against West Ham to capture the second trophy of Manuel Pellegrini’s debut season in charge, goals from Samir Nasri and Kompany saw them over the line with ease.
The final whistle sparked wild celebrations around the Etihad and the captain insisted there won’t be a repeat of their last league triumph, when they finished 11 points adrift the following year.
“We are building a club. Not just a team that wins trophies every now and then. That’s why I am excited to be here. Next year we need to be even better,” he said.
“If we want to be a big club, then this should be one of so many. It will take a lot of work but people are ready for it.
“The way we have finished this season is a credit to the way we have prepared and the way we have always believed in ourselves.”
Play your heart out. Always believe, never give up. Our DNA. #MCFC pic.twitter.com/ADDROj1Thh
— Vincent Kompany (@VincentKompany) May 11, 2014
Champions!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! #2014 #MCFC pic.twitter.com/8TlkWPGnAP
— Vincent Kompany (@VincentKompany) May 11, 2014
After 39 minutes of resolute defending from the visitors, Nasri settled any nerves among the home fans with a swerving 25-yard shot.
The name was already being etched onto the trophy when Kompany pounced from a corner four minutes after half-time as the hosts slowly descended into party mood.
It completes a domestic double, having lifted the League Cup in March, and Pellegrini claimed he had to turn around a squad left demoralised after Roberto Mancini’s reign.
“When I arrived at this club maybe the relations between the squad were not in the best moment,” he said.
“I think it was very important to have calm and try to convince all of them how we can play and how was it was important to be very close.
“I think the way we played was as important as winning the title, the way we did it with the players and the fans enjoying it.
Among the other Citizens to voice their delight was midfielder Fernandinho, who believes his decision to join from Shakhtar Donetsk in the summer has been vindicated.
The Brazilian said: “I always say in football and life you have to win the title, and Man City gave me the chance to win the title. I am so happy for that.
“The players deserved it. We worked very hard and today was the best way to win the title.”
Main image courtesy of Paul Currie/Action Images, with thanks.
