Pep Guardiola’s hopes of ending his time as Manchester City manager with a domestic treble are over after their 1-1 draw at Bournemouth handed the Premier League title to Arsenal.
Following Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Burnley on Monday, City headed to the Vitality Stadium needing to win to send the title race to the final day of the season on Sunday.
But, a day after it was reported Guardiola will leave the club at the end of the campaign, City produced a performance well below the standards their manager has set during his remarkable decade at the club.
Bournemouth took advantage to confirm they will be playing European football for the first time next season, with Junior Kroupi putting them ahead in the 39th minute.
Kroupi bent home his 13th goal of a remarkable season for the teenager and, in response, City’s attacking threat was surprisingly lacking, though they finally found a leveller in stoppage time.
It came as Erling Haaland crashed home after Rodri had hit the post, but it ultimately proved too little too late, with a trophy that looked to be in their grasp after their win over Arsenal last month now set to be presented to the Gunners at Selhurst Park on Sunday, when Guardiola will bid farewell to the team with whom he has won 17 major trophies as City host Aston Villa.
Bournemouth’s late concession leaves Champions League football now looking a remote possibility, as they are three points behind fifth-placed Liverpool and six goals adrift on goal difference. Still, the draw confirmed they will play continental football next term, and their performance against Guardiola’s men served as a fitting home farewell for Andoni Iraola before he departs following their finale at Nottingham Forest.
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