With the 2022 World Cup in Qatar just months away, Pep Guardiola and Manchester City will have to start their preparations now -even if it means abandoning one of the manager's key principles.
Ilkay Gundogan pinpoints key role in Man City's Premier League title success
31.05.2022 - 17:37 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Manchester City's Ilkay Gundogan believes that 'destiny' played a role in his side's incredible comeback victory over Aston Villa.
Earlier this month, City needed a victory to retain the Premier League on the final day of the season. But Villa goals from Matty Cash and Philippe Coutinho for the visitors looked to have shattered that dream.
However, a brace from Gundogan either side of a Rodri equaliser was enough for City to secure a 3-2 win and the title. Speaking to City's official website, the hero of the game spoke about that final day.
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"I don’t know, maybe it was destiny, maybe it was a bit of luck," Gundogan explained. "But I was twice at the right spot and was able to score.
"I didn’t really have a choice I feel. We just had 20 minutes to play, we were 2-0 down so all I wanted to try was to get into the box and smell where the danger might be."
The German's two close range goals off the bench spoiled not just Villa but Liverpool's day. The Reds beat Wolves 3-1 at Anfield but at no stage actually led in the title race.
"The first goal, the header, I knew that Raz (Raheem Sterling) was going to go to the by-line and cross," Gundogan added. "I felt like the danger might be at the second post and the ball was perfect to be honest, I just had to put my head on it.
"The third goal, we all know Kevin’s [De Bruyne] quality, whipping the ball to the second post. So, for me, the timing was important to anticipate when he was going to play the ball.
"(It was) make the run and try to stay onside and the timing was perfect."
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