Blue Moon

There was a sense of inevitability in the air yesterday morning. A sense that Liverpool hopes and prayers were always going to be in vain and that Manchester City would dispose of West Ham, claiming their second Premier League title in three years. Goals from Samir Nasri and captain Vincent Kompany banished any faint notions of a blue capitulation and delivered the championship in a professional manner so fittingly typical of their season.

This City team deserves all the praise that will no doubt be lavished upon them, right across the board. Much has been written of how brilliant the playing staff has been this season, but full credit must also go to the manager, backroom staff and those in charge of transfers. City have got little wrong this year.

Fernandinho has been signing of the season. Undoubtedly. Álvaro Negredo has enjoyed periods of good form and players such as Jesús Navas, Stevan Jovetić and even the widely mocked Martin Demichelis have complimented City's incredible spine. They have also kept the majority of key players fit. Even Sergio Agüero's injuries woes have been relatively well managed, ensuring that he would be fit when needed and that adequate cover was available when he was out.

Arsenal will once again point to injuries whilst Liverpool's back four has never reached any level of consistency as there has never been a settled, fully fit defence to choose from. Disappointing transfer windows and poor management has cost Chelsea. José's reputation in the game means he will be afforded the luxury of another chance next season, but having spent over £100 million and still having to resort to poor quality of football and time wasting would be enough for any other manager to face the Roman execution. Chelsea fans can sleep safely in the knowledge that Rafa Benítez had a better season at Chelsea last year without spending a tenth of the amount as José.

No such problems with injuries, transfers, or management for City.

Much has been made of Liverpool's swashbuckling style of play and their attacking brand of football. It is worth remembering however that City actually scored more goals. Throughout the team they have been balanced, focused and ruthless when the opportunities have arisen.

The win over West Ham this weekend returns me back to the one, key word which defines Man City this season. Professional.

Professionalism has been at the heart of blue success this season. Getting the job done has been paramount to the way City have gone about their business. They have sent out goal scoring statements at the right times, all the while knowing that there is also a time to be solid and guarantee the 3 points.

The gaze of the country was upon them in the second half against Aston Villa with the score still goalless. Patience prevailed and goals from Edin Džeko effectively put the result beyond doubt. The blues consolidated the three points before a late flourish emphatically boasted to the world- "We're not bottling this".

The Villa game was emblematic of City's season. Pellegrini has installed a mentality which focuses on getting the three points before indulging in adventure and flair. City have licence to flex their expensively assembled muscles on a "right time, right place" mantra, a formula which has paid dividends across an enthralling 38 game season. The West Ham result became an expectation, a formality, rather than a final hurdle.

Liverpool are worthy runners up. Any fan of football will have enjoyed watching Brendan Rodgers' side this season with their unyielding faith in young players and attacking, intelligent football. Jordan Henderson has been a shining light and for all the folly of rivalry, England captain Steven Gerrard has been symbolic of every boyhood fan deep inside us just yearning to play football and represent their club.

But this year belongs to City. They have been graceful in defeat and humble in victory. Manuel Pellegrini has been the epitome of class with his reaction to the defeat at Liverpool in April a prime example of this, despite being denied an almost certain late penalty.

More thorough and deeper diagnoses will come. There is time for a more intricate examination of how City tactically outclassed their competition or how Liverpool and Chelsea threw the title away. For now however, we must tip our hats and give Manchester City our full respect and praise. An outstanding team and if there is a "right" way to win the league, they have come very close to achieving it. Tonight, Manchester is blue.