Manuel Pellegrini took charge of his final game as his Manchester City side earned a 1-1 draw with Swansea City in at the Liberty Stadium. The visitors only needed a point enough to secure European football next season and did so relatively comfortably.
The task was made easier after a fast start. Kelechi Iheanacho opened the scoring in the fifth minute as he tapped in after Sergio Aguero’s shot was parried into his path. The Swans pressed on for an equaliser and got their reward right on the stroke of halftime. Andre Ayew, who ends the season as Swansea’s top scorer, whipped in a free kick which deflected off Fernando and into the net.
Swans satisfied
Despite finishing in 12th place in the league, Swansea will be more than satisfied with their position at the end of the season. Considering they had three different managers throughout the campaign, the Welsh outfit have done rather well to avoid the relegation battle and finish in a respectable spot.
After a terrible start to the season, The Swans were left battling relegation towards the end of 2015, with only three wins in their opening 17 games. The club were forced to sack Garry Monk at the start of December after a poor run of form. Alan Curtis was named caretaker, as the club went in search of a new manager. Curtis only saw his side lose three times in seven games, before former Udinese manager Francesco Guidolin was appointed.
The Italian brought in Alberto Paloschi and Leroy Fer during the winter transfer window, both of whom played important parts in Swansea’s second half of the season. Following the Italian’s appointment, Swansea enjoyed a rich run of form, losing only five of their final 16 games, winning seven.
Considering how this season panned out, The Swans can take pride with the manner in which they finished the season and will now look to rebuild next campaign as Guidolin takes charge of his first full season at Swansea.
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Following the draw at Swansea, incoming coach Pep Guardiola who will be more than relieved after learning that his new team will be playing in Europe’s elite competition next season, while Pellegrini will be glad have delivered a fourth placed finish.
City fans will be even happier after their team beat off competition from their neighbours and fiercest rivals to grab that final Champions League spot and will now look towards a new era in their club’s history, as they await one of the modern football’s most successful manager to lead them next season.
The season has been a relative success for City, who won the Capital One Cup, reached the semi-finals of the Champions League and have now ensured that they finish in the top four. There will be no doubt that City will be lining up some huge transfers in the summer as Guardiola will be looking to strengthen his squad.
A number of players are expected to leave the Etihad, with Yaya Toure likely to depart. One of Guardiola’s main concern will be his squad’s defence, after the Citizens fell victim to individual errors, as well as injuries, poor form and carelessness.
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