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Manchester City close in on Champions League spot with victory over West Brom


Manchester City moved up to third in the Premier League with a comfortable 3-1 win over West Brom on an emotional night at the Etihad Stadium.
Goals from Gabriel Jesus, Kevin De Bruyne and Yaya Toure saw City cruise to victory on Pablo Zabaleta’s final home appearance for the club. West Brom were outplayed but claimed a late consolation through substitute Hal Robson-Kanu.
City are three points clear of fifth-place Arsenal and have a five-goal advantage on goal difference heading into the final day of the season.
City boss Pep Guardiola: “It was a perfect night, especially for Pablo. It’s my first year here but when I see what I saw tonight, I realise the impact of this guy at the club. Seeing women cry on the videos means a lot. It was a perfect night for him and his family. He’s a legend for this club, like Joe Hart, Vincent Kompany, Yaya Toure and Sergio Aguero.”
West Brom boss Tony Pulis: “City deserved to win the game – they were better than us. The two quick goals really set them up. When they got the third you are sitting there thinking we are staring down the barrel here at a hatful of goals, but the lads really showed a lot of character the last 20-25 minutes.”

Tweet of the match

Star man – Sergio Aguero

Sergio Aguero squares the ball across goal
(Martin Rickett/PA)
He may not have got on the scoresheet himself but the striker played a part in all three of the hosts’ goals in a hugely commendable run-out. De Bruyne and Jesus were also very impressive.

Data point

Jesus’ strike here means he has now scored six times in seven league starts.

In with the crowd

Following Saturday’s announcement he will be leaving this summer, City fans made clear in Zabaleta’s last home game as a Blues player their appreciation for his service, with banners paying tribute to the Argentinian defender being displayed in the stands and his name ringing around the ground in a range of chants. He received a rapturous reception when he started to warm up on the touchline early in the second half and an even bigger ovation when he came on just after the hour mark. Having helped his side see out the win – finishing the contest with the captain’s armband, given to him when Vincent Kompany went off in the 77th minute – Zabaleta was then honoured in an emotional post-match presentation. He seemed genuinely touched as he was presented with a lifetime season ticket and he thanked the fans. “Today is probably the hardest moment but it is so special,” he said. “It is the moment for me to say thank you to everyone.”

Not the only farewell?

Zabaleta’s farewell to the Etihad Stadium provided the backdrop to the game but he may not be the only player leaving this summer. Toure’s contract, like Zabaleta’s, also runs out this summer, as does that of goalkeeper Willy Caballero. Jesus Navas and Gael Clichy, both unused substitutes, could also be leaving.

Ratings

Man City: Willy Caballero 6, Fernandinho 6, Vincent Kompany 6, Nicolas Otamendi 6, Aleksandar Kolarov 6, Yaya Toure 7, David Silva 6, Kevin De Bruyne 8, Gabriel Jesus 8, Leroy Sane 7, Sergio Aguero 8Subs: Pablo Zabaleta (for Silva, 62 mins) 6, John Stones (for Kompany, 77) 6, Fernando (for Toure, 81) 6.
West Brom: Ben Foster 7, Allan Nyom 6, Craig Dawson 5, Jonny Evans 5, Marc Wilson 4, Claudio Yacob 5, Nacer Chadli 5, Darren Fletcher 5, Jake Livermore 5, Chris Brunt 5, Salomon Rondon 5Subs: James McClean (for Wilson, 52) 5, James Morrison (for Livermore, 65) 5, Hal Robson-Kanu (for Rondon, 71) 6.

Who’s up next?

Watford v Manchester City (Premier League, May 21)
Swansea v West Brom (Premier League, May 21)

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