Matchday 37: Swansea City vs Manchester City
Date: May 1, 2015Venue: Liberty Stadium, Swansea
The mood heading into the penultimate Premier League fixture of the season was unmistakably relaxed, almost celebratory. Manchester City had already been crowned champions. Adriano had shattered Alan Shearer's Premier League scoring record with his 35th goal, and the Etihad was still buzzing from the 3–0 win over QPR. But Pellegrini, ever the pragmatist, understood that with the Champions League final against Real Madrid less than two weeks away, preserving his stars was paramount.
And so, for the away trip to Swansea, he rested his key men — Adriano, Silva, Hazard, Aguero, Salah, Kimmich, Hummels, and Robertson — all of whom were given time to recover and prepare. In their place came a rotated but still competent eleven, with experience, steel, and just a hint of flair.
City's XI:Hart; Zabaleta, Kompany, Mangala, Kolarov; Casemiro, Yaya Touré; De Bruyne; Milner, Sinclair; Kane.
From the off, Swansea — free from relegation worries and playing at home — were clearly up for it. They pressed high, snapping at Touré's heels, blocking passing lanes to De Bruyne, and causing early problems down the flanks. The hosts were energized, knowing City's rotated side might not have the same cohesion.
In the 4th minute, a hopeful early ball from Jonjo Shelvey nearly caught Kolarov out, as Nathan Dyer burst behind him and fired a low cross that was just cleared by Kompany.
Alan Smith on co-commentary:"City look a little flat here, Martin. No doubt the changes have taken the rhythm out of them."
By the 9th minute, City had barely strung five passes together in Swansea's half. De Bruyne was visibly frustrated, gesturing to Milner and Sinclair to pull wide and stretch the play.
In the 17th minute, the breakthrough came — but not for the visitors.
Swansea regained possession just inside their own half. Shelvey lofted a perfectly weighted pass over the top of the defense. Kompany stepped up too late, and Eliaquim Mangala wasn't quick enough to cover. Bafétimbi Gomis timed his run beautifully, brought the ball down with his chest, and turned sharply inside the box. Joe Hart rushed out, but Gomis rifled it low and hard past him at the near post.
📣 "GOAL FOR SWANSEA CITY! SCORED BY NUMBER 18 — BAFÉTIMBI GOMIS!"
Martin Tyler didn't hold back:"Well, well — that's a beauty from Gomis. City caught cold. Kompany didn't judge the flight, and Mangala couldn't react. And Swansea lead against the champions!"
The home crowd erupted in delight. Gomis ran toward the corner flag, arms outstretched, while Shelvey followed him, shouting: "That's the one! I told you it'd open up!"
Casemiro clapped his hands, calling the midfield into shape. Touré yelled back: "Keep it tight! Calm it down!" But City looked rattled.
Alan Smith added:"You can see what's missing without Silva or Adriano — no spark, no vertical drive. De Bruyne's having to do it all himself."
The crowd — mostly Swansea faithful — started to believe. A few chants of "Champions? Really?" echoed from the home end, playful but pointed.
By the 26th minute, City's frustration was beginning to show. Shelvey again tried to dribble through midfield, but this time Casemiro clipped him smartly from behind. It was cynical, and the referee reached for his pocket.
📣 "Yellow card for Manchester City's number 14 — Casemiro."
"Textbook tactical foul," said Martin Tyler. "Casemiro knew exactly what he was doing."
Free kick to Swansea, but it was easily cleared by Kompany, who barked: "Reset! Let's go again!"
City finally began to settle toward the 35th minute. Touré advanced with more purpose, freeing up De Bruyne to operate in wider spaces. Sinclair had two good runs, one of which forced a corner, but Kane remained isolated between defenders and wasn't getting service.
In the 41st minute, Kolarov made a powerful overlapping run and crossed into the box. Kane rose for it, but his header lacked power and floated wide.
Half-time arrived with City trailing. The away end was quieter than usual — more thoughtful than worried. They knew this wasn't the squad for fireworks, and that all eyes were already on Berlin.
📣 "HALF-TIME: SWANSEA CITY 1 – 0 MANCHESTER CITY."
Alan Smith summed it up best:"There's a gulf in energy, but also in ideas. Pellegrini will want more urgency in the second half — De Bruyne can't do it all."
****
As the second half began, Pellegrini resisted making immediate changes. He trusted his rotation — and perhaps wanted to test their mettle.
Touré dropped deeper next to Casemiro, dictating tempo. City saw more of the ball. In the 53rd minute, Zabaleta surged down the right, cut back for Milner, who crossed first-time — the ball fizzed across goal with no touch. Kane threw up his arms: "Play it lower!"
In the 58th minute came City's biggest chance so far. Milner again burst into the box, this time from the inside-left channel, and pulled it back smartly. Kane controlled with one touch, ten yards out, and went for power — but blasted over.
Martin Tyler groaned:"Oh that's a sitter. That's the kind of chance you dream of — and he's snatched at it."
On the touchline, Pellegrini turned away and muttered something in Spanish under his breath.
But two minutes later, City finally got their moment.
Kevin De Bruyne, who had been everywhere, picked the ball up on the left flank. He faked a pass inside, cut back onto his right, and drove infield. Three defenders backed off. Twenty yards out, he let fly.
The strike was low, skimming the turf. Fabiański dived full stretch to his left — but the ball tucked neatly into the bottom corner.
📣 "GOAL FOR MANCHESTER CITY! NUMBER 17 — KEVIN DE BRUYNE!"
The away fans leapt up. KDB sprinted toward the corner, pumping his fists. Milner arrived first, ruffling his hair: "Knew you had that in the locker, mate!"
Hart punched the air in his half and shouted toward Kompany: "Back in it, skip!"
Martin Tyler, with a smile in his voice:"Well, if anyone was going to drag City out of the mud, it was always going to be Kevin De Bruyne. What a leader."
City pushed on from there. The tempo increased. Kane looked sharper. In the 70th minute, he controlled a long ball, turned and shot — only to see it deflected just wide by Ashley Williams.
Pellegrini made changes: Navas replaced Milner to add width, and Fernando came in for Touré to shore up midfield.
Still, the winning goal didn't come. Swansea bunkered, holding their shape. In the 84th minute, Zabaleta whipped in a dangerous cross — Sinclair flicked it goalward, but Fabiański saved with a strong left hand.
In stoppage time, De Bruyne had one final curling attempt from a free kick, but it sailed over the bar.
📣 "FULL-TIME: SWANSEA CITY 1 – 1 MANCHESTER CITY."
Martin Tyler closed with:"It's not the statement win City would've liked, but with the title wrapped and the final ahead — job done, no injuries, and a reminder of just how valuable Kevin De Bruyne really is."
Alan Smith nodded:"He was magnificent today. Carried that front line, created, finished, even tracked back. That's leadership."
The City fans in the away section stood to applaud their squad. They knew the bigger battle lay ahead — in Berlin. And tonight, while not glorious, had at least reminded them that even without their stars, the team could dig deep.
In the dressing room, De Bruyne untied his boots and slumped back on the bench, breathing heavily.
Casemiro clapped him on the shoulder: "Saved us again, hermano."
De Bruyne grinned: "Let's just not do this in the final, yeah?"
Everyone laughed.
Final whistle. One match to go.
****
Matchday 38: Manchester City vs Southampton
Date: May 7, 2015Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester
The Etihad was electric.
This wasn't just the last league match of the season — it was a curtain call. A celebration. A roaring ovation for a team that had lit up England and now stood on the edge of conquering Europe. The crowd had come early, flooding the stands in waves of blue. Flags were handed out at every entrance, and by kickoff, it was a sea of City colours, from the North Stand to the East Stand, buzzing with anticipation.
Martin Tyler's voice cut through the noise as the teams emerged from the tunnel:"One more Premier League match… and then Berlin. But tonight, this is a celebration of history, of dominance — and maybe, one more magical moment from Adriano."
Alan Smith chimed in with a grin:"You get the feeling they want to send a message tonight. This isn't a stroll — this is a statement to Real Madrid."
Pellegrini, knowing the importance of rhythm and momentum, fielded his strongest side. No holding back now.
City XI:Joe Hart; Joshua Kimmich, Vincent Kompany, Mats Hummels, Andrew Robertson; Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva, Adriano; Mohamed Salah, Sergio Aguero, Eden Hazard.
From the first whistle, City played like they had something to prove — even after winning the title. The passes zipped, the pressing was relentless, and Southampton couldn't breathe.
By the 5th minute, Silva had already floated a clever ball into the box, forcing Forster to punch clear under pressure from Aguero. Moments later, Hazard weaved past two defenders on the left and sent in a low cross that Bertrand had to slide to intercept.
Martin Tyler:"City are starting this with intent. And you can already see Adriano floating between the lines — pulling defenders with him."
In the 11th minute, the crowd rose in expectation.
Silva, always the puppet master, looked up and dinked a perfect pass over the high line. Adriano read it early. He broke through, letting the ball drop over his shoulder and struck it first-time with his left — a sweet volley across goal.
The ball flew just wide of the post.
A collective "OHHHHH!" rang around the stadium, followed by applause. Adriano glanced skyward, clapped his hands, and offered a sheepish smile to the fans.
Alan Smith:"He wanted that one. Crowd did too. He's already sniffing for number 36."
Seven minutes later, he found it.
The ball came through the middle. De Bruyne fed Silva, who quickly squared it into Adriano 25 yards out. No hesitation. One touch to settle, second to twist his body, third — a thunderous left-footed drive into the bottom right corner. It flew like a missile.
📣 "GOAL FOR MANCHESTER CITY! NUMBER 10 — ADRIANO!"
The Etihad erupted.
Martin Tyler:"Number 36 in the Premier League for the Portuguese Maestro — and that one was sheer violence."
Adriano just jogged towards the sidelines and spread his arms wide, soaking in the cheers. His teammates rushed in enveloped him in a group hug.
Silva: "You're not human, hermano!"
Kompany: "We should test your DNA after the season."
Hazard, laughing: "Bet Real are watching this thinking… uh-oh."
Kate, watching from the first row, jumped to her feet, hands over her mouth, then screamed:"HE'S UNSTOPPABLE!"
Meanwhile, Southampton tried to mount a response. Graziano Pellè nearly provided it in the 28th minute. A quick counter saw him break the high line. One-on-one with Joe Hart, the Italian forward shaped to shoot — but Hart came out bravely, stayed tall, and made the block with his left thigh.
The crowd roared like a goal had been scored at the other end.
Tyler:"Huge save from Joe Hart! He's had precious little to do this month, but he stays locked in."
Alan Smith added:"That's a striker's dream chance. But full credit to Hart — read it, closed the angle, and didn't blink."
City regained control. Kimmich, who had been lively down the right, mistimed a sliding challenge on Tadić near the touchline in the 35th minute. It was late — not malicious, but enough for the referee to pull out a yellow card.
📣 "Yellow card — Manchester City's number 2, Joshua Kimmich."
Alan Smith:"That's one for the team. Southampton had space to break. Pellegrini won't mind that one."
Then, in the 39th minute, City struck again.
It started with a recovery by Robertson, who intercepted a loose pass and fired it diagonally to De Bruyne. The Belgian didn't hesitate — his pass was surgical, slicing through the defensive line and finding Salah's diagonal run.
Salah, cool as ever, took one touch and slotted it low beneath Fraser Forster's outstretched arm.
📣 "GOAL FOR MANCHESTER CITY! NUMBER 11 — MOHAMED SALAH!"
Tyler:"And just like that — 2-0. De Bruyne, the conductor, adds another to his record tally of assists."
Alan Smith:"That's assist number 29 for KDB in the seaosn. And Salah makes it 17 goals in the season. This attack is frightening."
Salah raised both hands to the sky, then turned and pointed to De Bruyne.
Salah: "Another gift, brother."
De Bruyne: "All you had to do was show up."
The Etihad was in full voice now, bouncing to chants of "Blue Moon" and "Championes." There was even a banner across the second tier that read: "BERLIN — We're Ready."
Southampton, to their credit, didn't collapse. Tadić tried a speculative curling shot in the 43rd minute from distance — comfortably held by Hart. Ward-Prowse floated in a dangerous free kick just before halftime that Kompany had to head clear under pressure.
But the momentum was all City's.
📣 "HALF-TIME: MANCHESTER CITY 2 – 0 SOUTHAMPTON."
Martin Tyler, summing it up with a grin:"This is what champions do — they entertain, they dominate, and they remind everyone why they're at the top."
Alan Smith nodded:"Adriano's got one. Salah's on the board. De Bruyne's running the show. And that front three? Real Madrid better be watching this — and sweating."
As the players jogged into the tunnel, fans stayed on their feet. Not a single boo, no hint of discontent — just an ovation of appreciation. One half to go in the league. Then, Berlin. But for now, City were treating their supporters to a masterclass.
****
The second half began under the golden haze of the Manchester evening, the Etihad vibrating with joy and pride. Manchester City had already staked their claim to the Premier League title weeks ago, but this wasn't just a routine closing fixture. It was a symphony — a perfect farewell to a historic domestic campaign. Every fan in the stadium knew they were witnessing more than a match. They were witnessing a team that had redefined dominance.
With a 2–0 lead at halftime, City didn't rush. Kompany and Hummels exchanged passes coolly at the back, keeping the tempo steady. Pellegrini had clearly instructed his side not to chase chaos but to let control lead the way. Kimmich pushed higher up the right flank, stretching Southampton's midfield, while Silva floated centrally beside De Bruyne and Adriano, creating triangles that constantly shifted and disoriented the visitors.
Martin Tyler's voice echoed across televisions around the world:"They've got their hands on the crown already, but Manchester City are playing like they still have something to prove."
Alan Smith added:"That's the mark of champions, Martin. No arrogance, just relentless professionalism — and joy in what they're doing."
In the 49th minute, Salah nearly made it three. A disguised through ball from Silva sliced open Southampton's back line. Salah, timing his run to perfection, darted in and curled a low shot toward the far post — but Fraser Forster, at full stretch, got his fingertips to it and pushed it just wide. The crowd roared in appreciation.
"That was exquisite football," Tyler said, "and equally brilliant goalkeeping."
From the resulting corner, Hummels rose highest, glancing a header just over the bar. He clapped his hands in frustration.
Then came the moment in the 52nd minute.
Robertson broke up a Southampton move down the left and immediately fed Silva, who danced through a tackle and sent Hazard racing into space down the left wing. The Belgian jinked past Clyne, neared the byline, and looked up. Aguero had peeled away from Yoshida at the near post. Hazard cut it back first-time — low, flat, deadly.
Aguero didn't need a second touch.
He met it perfectly with the inside of his right boot, sending the ball skimming under Forster and into the net.
📣 "GOAL FOR MANCHESTER CITY! NUMBER 16 — SERGIO AGUERO!"
The Etihad shook with delight.
Martin Tyler:"Vintage Sergio Aguero! Sharp movement, ruthless finish — that one was for the fans."
As Aguero turned and raised his arms to the sky, Adriano jogged over and gave him a playful shove."Finally, you let me have one assist!" he laughed.
Aguero grinned: "Only because I was tired of watching you score all the time!"
Hazard caught up, smirking: "That one was mine. I want the assist stat!"
Behind them, the scoreboard read 3–0. The fans didn't sit back down. The atmosphere had gone from celebratory to euphoric. "Blue Moon" began to echo around the ground again, thousands singing in unison.
City weren't done.
By the 60th minute, Pellegrini urged his side to conserve energy, but it didn't mean slowing the rhythm. Silva and De Bruyne continued to command the midfield, cutting off every Southampton break before it could develop.
Then, in the 66th minute, came a goal that was less about force and more about finesse.
It began with Silva pirouetting away from Ward-Prowse in the middle. He laid it to De Bruyne, who feinted right and slipped a pass through a crowded midfield directly into Adriano's feet.
Adriano's first touch killed the ball dead. His second was audacious.
Spotting Forster rushing out, Adriano — on his weaker right foot — produced a perfect little dink over the keeper, soft and elegant. The ball floated like a feather, then dropped into the net just inside the far post.
📣 "GOAL FOR MANCHESTER CITY! NUMBER 10 — ADRIANO!"
Martin Tyler, breathless:"That's 37 Premier League goals. And 27 assists. No one… in the history of this competition… has ever done this."
The Etihad exploded. Again.
Alan Smith:"The audacity to do that on his weak foot — against a 6'7" keeper — in the last game of the season. That is outrageous."
Adriano ran to the corner flag, laughing, hands wide, soaked in the moment. Aguero caught up to him first and threw an arm around his shoulder."You are ridiculous," he said, still smiling.
De Bruyne joined, joking: "Hey! I want my assist bonus!"
Adriano: "You'll get it. Just not the Ballon d'Or."
On the touchline, Pellegrini rose, clapping calmly. He turned toward the bench and gave a simple nod.
In the 75th minute, substitutions were made.
📣 "Substitutions for Manchester City: Off — number 10, Adriano. Off — number 21, Silva. Off — number 16, Aguero. On — number 18, Kane. Number 16, Milner. Number 22, Casemiro."
The applause began before the fourth official even raised the board. By the time Adriano began his slow walk off the pitch, the entire stadium was on its feet.
He raised both hands, clapping the fans. They clapped back louder. Banners with "RECORD BREAKER" and "OUR NO.10" waved proudly.
In the front row, Kate stood clapping through tears. Adriano pointed to her with a grin, then turned to the stands and offered a bow. She laughed and returned the gesture. the crowd whistled and cheered, showing their appreciation for the young lovers. Some even shouted, " Kate is our good luck charm! Adriano always scores when she's watching!" Another slapped him on the head, "Hey! Don't jinx it! We want her to motivate Adriano to score in the finals!"
Alan Smith:"That's not just a player walking off. That's a legend being acknowledged by his people."
The final fifteen minutes were a victory lap. Kane struck the post in the 88th minute after a cheeky backheel assist from Navas. Milner blasted one over the bar in stoppage time after a mazy dribble from Hazard.
📣 "FULL-TIME: MANCHESTER CITY 4 – 0 SOUTHAMPTON!"
The whistle blew, and confetti cannons fired from the roof. Blue and white paper rained down across the stadium. Fireworks crackled around the Etihad's outer rim. The players gathered near the center circle, arms draped over shoulders, beaming.
📣 "MANCHESTER CITY — YOUR PREMIER LEAGUE CHAMPIONS, 2014–15!"
Behind them, a banner unfurled from the South Stand:
"CHAMPIONS 2014–15 — BELIEVE IN BLUE"
Adriano, still in full kit, was handed the Man of the Match award — and the crowd roared again.
Martin Tyler's closing words were simple, heartfelt, and soaked in awe:
"They've conquered England. They've rewritten the records. And now, only one mountain remains. Berlin. Real Madrid. Adriano… is ready."
****
The final whistle in Manchester echoed far beyond the pitch—it marked the close of a Premier League season that will be remembered for generations. City's 4–0 rout over Southampton wasn't just a statement; it was the perfect exclamation point on a campaign of sheer dominance. With 107 points on the board, they shattered every expectation and painted the skyline of English football in sky blue.
Across the city, celebrations began instantly. In pubs, living rooms, rooftops, even street corners, fans erupted with pride. Social media feeds exploded as hashtags like #BelieveInBlue and #107Points trended worldwide. For Manchester City supporters, this wasn't just victory—it was validation, redemption, proof that their club could conquer not only the league but break records too.
In the Etihad Square, fans lingered long after the confetti had cleared. Strangers became friends, singing Blue Moon in unison. Security teams held back tears as they watched families—grandparents, parents, children—all celebrating a moment they'd waited years for. One chants-born sign, crafted mid-match, read simply: "WE WERE HERE, 107"—four panels of sky blue card-scrawled numbers and letters.
Meanwhile, at the Trafford Centre, retail outlets reported a surge in City merchandise. Athletes, celebrities, politicians—everyone who espoused love for the blue half of Manchester couldn't stop talking about Adriano's record-breaking season, De Bruyne's influence, and City's unassailable unity.
Amidst the euphoria, the analysts began tallying up the official numbers: 32 wins, 11 draws, and just 5 defeats. A remarkable 107 points—an achievement surpassed only by Chelsea's 95 in 2004–05 and City's own 100 points the previous season. The record? Well and truly owned.
Behind them, the top six settled comfortably into European spots: Chelsea claimed second with 94 points, Arsenal took third with 85, United fourth (81), Spurs fifth (77), and Liverpool sixth (67). It was a season where only two clubs scratched triple-figure totals—and one of them had scorched the Premier League record books.
Here's how the top of the table finished:
Position Club Pts
1 Manchester City 107
2 Chelsea FC 94
3 Arsenal 3 85
4 Manchester United 81
5 Tottenham 77
6 Liverpool 67
7 Everton 64
After the final whistle, City's email subscribers and social followers received a heartfelt video message from the players. Hart, in goal, said with a grin:
"Thanks for taking every bus, every train, every flight, every shout with us. You're part of this team—today, it's ours."
De Bruyne, smiling and asleep-eyed after the win, whispered amid back-to-back trophies and celebrations:
"I wake up, I pinch myself. We did this—for you."
Soon, a 107-points commemorative jersey hit online stores: white-on-sky-blue, embroidered with all 38 results silkscreened in light gray down the back. It sold out in 48 hours.
They also crowned the Premier League's top performers:Golden Boot: Adriano (37 goals)Golden Voice: Adriano (27 assists)Golden Player: Adriano (shared with De Bruyne)Golden Gloves: Joe Hart (clean sheet record)Playmaker Award: Kevin De Bruyne
Legends of the sport began promoting tributes. Eric Cantona tweeted:
"To score 37 goals AND make 27 is to redefine football, not just in England, but everywhere. Respect, Adriano."And former City captain Vincent Kompany said in video:"That man is an artist—and a monster."
The aftermath wasn't just celebration—it was reflection. Pundits dissected what made this season possible:
Managerial Mastery: Pellegrini prized rotation, unity, and evolution, never resting on laurels.
Squad Depth: Cover for injuries, tactical variety—City had it all.
Attack Arsenal: Adriano, Aguero, Salah, Hazard—that's lethal firepower.
Defensive Backbone: Hummels and Kompany anchored the back, with Kimmich and Robertson delivering balance ahead of them.
City's final news conference focused not on accolades but on Berlin. Pellegrini, flanked by Adriano and De Bruyne, spoke of balance—celebration now, but caution soon:
"This journey has shaped us. But in Berlin, there's one title left. One more step. We will rest. We will prepare. And we will be ready."
Supporters responded in kind. Fan forums continued threads titled "Best Team Ever?" and claim polls showed 85% of City fans said yes. TV highlight packages aired replays of the Etihad goal avalanche, the backheel goal, the Aguero strike — "Moments That Made 107" nostalgia-fuelled minutes for the fans. While remaining 15% said next season would be better with new players coming in and the team settling down.
Even neutral observers grudgingly admitted:"We came for the Premier League final day… stayed because we were watching greatness."
So, as the season ends, Manchester City stand tall. Champions, record-holders, spirits brimming with triumph. The city's skyline now owns that steel-and-glass crest; shops and cafes echo with celebration songs; the football world waits for Berlin.
But for now—look at that table, that trophy display, those headlines. A season that redefined domination.A season where records didn't just fall—they shattered.
Premier League 2014–15: Declared. It belongs to City. And soon, maybe—and just maybe—they'll conquer Europe too.
*****
Current Stats of Adriano:
Premier League
Matches: 27
Goals: 37
Assists: 27
Current top scorer of the Premier League, and top on the assists list.
*
Champions League
Matches: 12
Goals: 25
Assists: 11
Current top scorer and top on Assists list together with De Bruyne.
*
FA Cup
Matches: 1
Goals: 2
Assists: 2