THE NOTEBOOK: Raheem Sterling congratulates his former side Manchester City on the title

Manchester City lifted the Premier League trophy following their 1-0 win over Chelsea.

Julian Alvarez’s goal saw City prevail at the Etihad Stadium but they secured the title on Saturday after Arsenal were beaten by Nottingham Forest.

It was a day of celebration for City, who have now won five of the last six Premier League titles.

Here, Mail Sport’s Jack Gaughan reflects on the main talking points.

The fact that Arsenal blew up last time out ensured that Manchester City will surely parade another trophy in front of their own supporters regardless of this result. A great position to be in.

That also meant Chelsea, two games unbeaten for the first time since March, had to offer a guard of honour.

Raheem Sterling, who left the Premier League champions for more game time, was one of the players lined up to congratulate City. He did it with good grace, as you would expect.

But there was an awkward moment for another prominent face soon. As the teams lined up, the league anthem played over the PA system and — as usual — was immediately booed by the home crowd. Nothing unusual about that but it must have made for awkward listening for Premier League chief executive Richard Masters who was present at the Etihad.

Raheem Sterling was part of the Chelsea side that gave Manchester City a guard of honour

Chief executive Richard Masters attended as the Premier League anthem was booed

It’s hard for Pochettino to muster up the courage

Mauricio Pochettino will be watching knowing the issues that need to be fixed at Chelsea, but there are one or two brighter glimpses for the Argentine as he prepares to take charge this summer.

The Blues forced Stefan Ortega into two fine stops and Conor Gallagher hit the post. But with City starting a second-string side, Pochettino knew he had his work cut out for him.

Bolt from the blue for Ederson

Be careful thinking for Ederson, who has done his hair for the occasion, dying blue. It was only for Pep Guardiola to give him a break and select understudy Ortega.

The German — who signed from Arminia Bielefeld following their relegation from the Bundesliga — made his 12th appearance of the season in all competitions yesterday and now has nine clean sheets, an impressive return.

City goalkeeper Ederson dyed his hair blue in celebration but did not play against Chelsea

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100 home goals for City

Manchester City have scored 100 goals at the Etihad Stadium this season, equaling the record they set in 2018-19 for the most home goals in all competitions in a single season by an English top-flight club. Pep Guardiola’s side have also won their last six games against Chelsea.

The city fan shows incredible longevity

An incredible feat in the stands. Geoffrey Rothband, 102 years old, has witnessed all nine of City’s top-flight title wins — from the first in 1937 to the present day. There can’t be too many fans above and below the land who can boast such longevity!

The pitch protection plan is not working

There was a major operation, a ‘pitch protection plan’, in place to prevent a fan invasion at full time but in reality, that wasn’t going to happen.

More than 250 security staff were stationed at various points around the perimeter of the Etihad Stadium to prepare for the thousands of supporters running to celebrate the latest title victory.

So, of course, there was the inevitable delay while the pitch was cleared before the trophy presentation began, but that was only to be expected.

Alex Williams, a former goalkeeper who worked for City in the Community (CITC) for 33 years, is leaving the club and was given the honor of handing over the silverware alongside teenage trophy bearer Tom O’Dell, who took part in a CITC project, which he says ‘changed his life’.

Manchester City fans invaded the pitch following their victory over Chelsea

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