This afternoon, Manchester City played host to West Ham United knowing that if they avoided defeat, they would be Premier League champions.
Samir Nasri put them in front before the break and then in the second half captain Vincent Kompany made sure of the outcome when he scored from close range.
You can find out how the match unfolded with Sports Mole's minute-by-minute updates.
Afternoon all. So, after 37 matches, it all comes down to this afternoon for Manchester City. They hold a two-point lead at the top of the table and know that avoiding defeat against West Ham United will see them crowned champions. Will the nerves hold up?!
Afternoon all. So, after 37 matches, it all comes down to this afternoon for Manchester City. They hold a two-point lead at the top of the table and know that avoiding defeat against West Ham United will see them crowned champions. Will the nerves hold up?!
Before we go any further, the team news from the Etihad Stadium has just been released. Let's take a look at how the hosts will start first of all...
MAN CITY XI: Hart; Zabaleta, Kompany, Demichelis, Kolarov; Garcia, Toure, Nasri, Silva; Aguero, Dzeko
MAN CITY SUBS: Pantilimon, Lescott, Clichy, Milner, Fernandinho, Negredo, Jovetic
The big and welcome news for City is that Sergio Aguero is fit enough to start. He will play alongside Edin Dzeko up front, with James Milner dropping down to the bench as a result. In midfield, Javi Garcia is once again preferred to Fernandinho, while David Silva and Samir Nasri will feature in the playmaker roles.
And now for the visiting Hammers...
WEST HAM XI: Adrian; O'Brien, Tomkins, Reid, McCartney; Nolan, Taylor, Noble, Diame, Downing; Carroll
WEST HAM SUBS: Jarvis, Armero, Vaz Te, Collins, Jaaskelainen, C Cole, J Cole
Full-back Guy Demel has dropped out because of illness, but aside from that, Sam Allardyce has few injury concerns. As expected, Andy Carroll will play as a lone striker, with Kevin Nolan operating in an advanced midfield role.
It seems that City are pleased to have a certain Argentine back in the fold:
Of course, it must be odd for West Ham today. They could end up being huge party poopers. Here is some of what manager Allardyce has had to say to the media just now:
"It's about showing we're committed to the end of the last game, even though we're safe against what's looking like being champions. For us a draw is like a win. You look at their record this season, they've scored 61 goals here and only lost to Chelsea.
"If we get a result it's about what we do for us, nothing else. It's 100% professionalism and doing the best we can against an outstanding side."
West Ham defender Dan Potts, not involved today, has just been busy posting on Twitter:
So, what is the situation today then? As you already know, a win for City will see them win the title. A draw will as well, assuming that second-placed Liverpool don't manage to overturn a 13-goal deficit against Newcastle United! A loss means that if Liverpool beat the Magpies, it will be them that is celebrating come the final whistle.
Want to know Liam Gallagher's thoughts on this game? Of course you do:
And here is what City boss Manuel Pellegrini had to say: "To play the same way we did the whole season so far is the best way to win the match. It's a group that deserves to win the title so if we play the way we have we'll be successful. There's tension in every game, not only this game. They're experienced players and they know how to manage it.
"I don't think about [West Ham's] strong connection with Liverpool. I just think West Ham will be a very difficult team here. They will try to win and play like Aston Villa did in midweek, and we have to try to resolve those problems. Of course I'm excited, it's an important moment but we have to try to act in the same way we did the whole season."
PREDICTION: So, what is going to happen today? All logic points to a City win, but we all remember what happened two years ago when they were in a similar position against Queens Park Rangers. It might take them a little while to break down a stubborn West Ham, but with all their attacking quality, they should do it. Let's go for 2-0, with goals from Aguero and Toure.
Right, the players are now out and the rain is pouring down! Proper Manchester weather for the occasion!
KICKOFF! Here we go then. The hosts, who are on the verge of winning the league, get us underway. Huge 90 minutes ahead.
As you'd expect, City are dominating the possession during the opening exchanges. The likes of Toure, Silva and Nasri are looking to get on the ball at every given opportunity. Having said that, they are yet to test Adrian in the away net.
Nothing to report still at the Etihad in terms of goalscoring opportunities. It's all City, but West Ham are defending deep and solidly.
CHANCE! What a goal that would have been for City. Zabaleta and Nasri exchange passes, before the former of those two stands up a cross towards the back post. It's met by the usually calm Silva, but on this occasion the Spanish playmaker lashes his volley wildly over the crossbar.
All of a sudden, there is a little nervousness among the home supporters. They were loud at the beginning, but the noise levels have dropped a little bit. They need their side to create a chance or two.
SAVE! First real sighting of Aguero as he takes aim from 25 yards out. It skids off the slippery surface, but Adrian does well to get his body behind the ball to hold at the first attempt.
There has been a goal at Anfield and it's a big one! Newcastle have scored and as it stands, it doesn't matter what the result is here, City will be champions. The fans respond to the news with a rendition of Blue Moon. That's lifted spirits!
That Newcastle goal has created a bit of a party atmosphere inside the Etihad Stadium. The players are responding as well because there is now much more zip about their passing in the final third. Moments ago a chance was created for Dzeko, but from 20 yards out, the Bosnian shot wildly over.
SAVE! A stinging effort from City left-back Kolarov, who tests Adrian from distance. The West Ham keeper is up to the task as he gets a firm hand on the ball to tip it over the crossbar.
BOOKING! The first yellow card of the afternoon goes to Nolan, who went in high and dangerously on City goalkeeper Joe Hart. He tries to plead his innocence, but the referee, rightly, is having none of it.
In the last couple of minutes, it must be said that West Ham have been much more positive. They've tried to get down the flanks and have caused problems with a couple of crosses. It looks to be the best route to goal.
GOAL! MAN CITY 1-0 WEST HAM (NASRI)
And that, surely, is the title signed, sealed and delivered for Man City. After some patience build up play, Toure picks out Nasri on the edge of the area. The Frenchman goes for goal and his ambition is rewarded as the ball flies into the net via the post. The Etihad erupts - they have more than a hand on the trophy now.
So, as it stands, City will win the league by five points because Liverpool still trail Newcastle 1-0 at Anfield. What a turnaround there has been in the last couple of weeks.
There will be one minute of stoppage time at the end of this first half.
HALF TIME: MAN CITY 1-0 WEST HAM
Moments after Silva sees his shot from close range deflected on to the bar by Carroll, the referee blows for the break. It's been a relatively straightforward 45 minutes for City, which will delight everyone of a sky blue persuasion.
Commanding is the word that you would use to best describe that first-half performance from City. They've been well in control of proceedings and although Adrian hasn't had too much to do, they've got into dangerous areas on a regular basis. Manuel Pellegrini will probably just be asking his side to continue what they've been doing during the second half.
As for West Ham, they've probably done as well as could be expected. They've defended to a decent standard, but it's been hard for them to get sort of significant possession. To be fair, there has been the odd venture forward down the flanks, but that has come to little.
RESTART! We are back underway at the Etihad, with no changes for either side. City are just 45 minutes away from being crowned champions.
GOAL! MAN CITY 2-0 WEST HAM (KOMPANY)
If it wasn't sealed already, it is now. Fittingly, it's the skipper that gets in on the act as he powers home from close range after West Ham fail to clear a corner. In the stands they are doing 'The Poznan'. It's party time at the Etihad.
SAVE! Nasri goes in search of a second goal with a low drive from 18 yards out, but Adrian parries it, before collecting at the second attempt. Then, up the other end, Taylor stabs his shot well wide when he perhaps should have done better.
Ever since that second City goal went in, West Ham have been the better side. They've swung a couple of dangerous crosses into the area, one of which forced Hart to scamper off his line and punch clear ahead of Carroll.
BOOKING! It's a caution for Demichelis, who slides in wildly on Downing. Replays showed that the City defender got the ball, but the referee deemed the challenge to be too forceful.
WEST HAM SUB: First change of the encounter for West Ham and it's the ineffective Nolan that comes off to be replaced by winger Matt Jarvis.
There has been another goal at Anfield at it's for Liverpool this time. They are level with Newcastle, but considering the score here, it's not going to matter come the final whistles.
And another goal for Liverpool - they lead 2-1 and are now two points behind City. Again, barring a real upset here, it will count for little.
CHANCE! That is a real miss of the season contender from Aguero, who still looks like he cannot believe he hasn't scored! Zabaleta drills in a cross from the right and from four yards out, City's Argentine striker makes a poor connection and the ball trickles through for Adrian.
MAN CITY SUB: A slightly defensive alteration for City as striker Dzeko is replaced by holding midfielder Fernandinho.
WEST HAM SUB: Another alteration for the Hammers and it's Carroll that comes off to be replaced by Carlton Cole.
MAN CITY SUB: A big cheer goes up for Silva as he leaves the field of play. The pint-sized playmaker has been replaced by the industrious James Milner.
SAVE! The duel between Nasri and Adrian continues, with the latter coming out on top on this occasion. It's a powerful strike from the City midfielder, but Adrian is able to divert the danger with his left boot.
WEST HAM SUB: A farewell cameo for Joe Cole? The former England international, who will be out of contract in the summer, has come on for Diame.
MAN CITY SUB: Toure has picked up a knock and he is limping off. What a season he has had for City. He's been replaced by Alvaro Negredo, who hasn't scored since January. The opposition that day? West Ham.
BOOKINGS! A yellow card apiece for Noble and Aguero, as the latter trips the West Ham midfielder up, sparking a clash between both sets of players. All a bit needless.
There will be three minutes of stoppage time here, then City can celebrate.
FULL TIME: MAN CITY 2-0 WEST HAM - CITY ARE PREMIER LEAGUE CHAMPIONS
Well, that was all too easy for City in the end - there was no drama of two years ago. They are the champions of England for a fourth time.
Well, that was all too easy for City in the end - there was no drama of two year ago. They are the champions of England for a fourth time.
That is all we have time from the Etihad Stadium, where the jubilant home supporters have poured on to the pitch. They will have to be cleared before the trophy is lifted. Thanks for joining us this afternoon and until next time, goodbye.
