Advantage Manchester City. It always has been, of course – this Premier League title defence has remained within their own hands throughout this run-in – but there have been times over the past few days when you would not have known it. And if Pep Guardiola’s side needed a reminder that their destiny is in their own control, this emphatic 5-0 win over Newcastle United was it.
The fear in the immediate aftermath of the extraordinary Champions League semi-final to Real Madrid was that the manner of their stunning exit could derail the rest of the season and potentially leave them trophyless. Instead, City ended the most difficult week of their season in a stronger position in the league table. The champions are now three points clear, which is to say nothing of the goal difference.
