City relieved to a 5-0 win on what was David Silva’s final Premier League appearance for the club.
Pep Guardiola hailed a task well done after Manchester City concluded their Premier League campaign with a thumping 5-0 win over relegated Norwich.
City might have already been verified in second place however that did not stop them powering on for another big win at the Etihad Arena to tune up well for next month’s clash with Real Madrid.
In the process they took their league goal tally for the season to 102 while Kevin De Bruyne, who got 2 of them, equated to the competition’s assist record of 20 by establishing Raheem Sterling
Gabriel Jesus and Riyad Mahrez were the other goalscorers on what was also a psychological celebration for David Silva, who was making his final Premier League appearance for the club.
To round off a great afternoon, Ederson kept his 16 th tidy sheet of the season to secure the Premier League Golden Glove.
Manager Guardiola stated: “We did a good game, with and without the ball and lots of players were exceptional. In general, we remained in a good state of mind.
“It was good to finish the Premier League season here, in second position, scoring a lot of goals, with the prizes for Eddie and Kevin. We now have two weeks to prepare for Real Madrid.”
Guardiola was pleased to see De Bruyne reach the assists landmark– levelling the record of Thierry Henry from 2002-03– although he was more pleased with his goals.
He stated: “I like Kevin for the assists – we know the quality he has for this – but we need his goals and today he scored two beautiful goals, especially the first one.”
City’s players and technical personnel offered Silva a psychological and extended round of applause when he was replaced after 85 minutes. The 34- year-old four-time Premier League winner also got a congratulatory telephone call from chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak after the game.
Guardiola stated: “I had the feeling they wanted to do that. What the players and staff did showed the gratitude and the honour that he has to have for these incredible 10 years at this club.”
Silva, who will leave the club after the Champions League campaign, spoke of his pride.
The Spaniard stated: “Yes, it was (psychological). I have actually been working with them and I enjoy all of them. I am going to miss out on all of them.
“I have enjoyed this year and this was the last one in the Premier League, but now we have to be focused on the Champions League as well.”
De Bruyne took his record in his stride and mentioned 2 of his ‘assists’ this season have actually not counted due to deflections off challengers.
He stated: “I have actually got 2more You men took 2 far from me. I’m still declaring that a person. For me I was already there.
“But it is what it is. I need my team-mates – I am helping them to score – and if they score I get it. But it is nice to have it.”
Norwich had little to play for and, in spite of a bright start when they had an Onel Hernandez strike dismissed for offside, they were dismissed, bringing their most current stint in the leading flight to an unfortunate end.
Manager Daniel Farke stated: “Obviously it’s frustrating to lose the last game 5-0. We were inspired to take a trip back with a much better result.
” If we are sincere, we understood in our situation that we would not be competitive against, without doubt, one of the very best sides in the world.
“But I thought the result was harsh. Of course Man City were the best side and deserved to win but we created chances and should have scored goals.”
ID: 408042:.