Concluding the Premier League in the most dramatic of fashion, Manchester City Muslim player Ilkay Gundogan came off the bench to score twice, helping his team to come back from 2-0 down to beat Aston Villa 3-2 with three goals in the final 15 minutes on Sunday.
With 90 points before the last match, Man City needed to win its game against Aston Villa to keep the first place ahead of Liverpool who was only one point behind with 89 points.
As the games started, Villa’s two goals from Matty Cash and former Liverpool favorite Philippe Coutinho looked set to gift the Reds the title.
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Jurgen Klopp’s men did their job by also coming from a goal down to beat Wolves 3-1 at Anfield reaching the 92nd point.
Man City were 2-0 down and heading for second place, but substitute Gundogan pulled one back, before Rodri Hernández levelled, and then Gundogan completed a six-minute comeback that won the title for the Blues.
One of the most emotional days of my career so far – what a way to become CHAMPIONS OF ENGLAND 🏆😍 … again. #CmonCity 💙 pic.twitter.com/9d8LrIWNdz
— Ilkay Gündogan (@IlkayGuendogan) May 22, 2022
A Great Substitute
Gundogan’s game-changing introduction against Aston Villa has been hailed as “one of the greatest substitutions in Premier League history”.
“I know it’s tough to say, but if Liverpool wouldn’t be there and play the way they play, very successful, this league wouldn’t be that attractive,” Gundogan, who also plays for the Germany national team, told Sky Sports, Manchester Evening News reported.
“Even though they finish just one point behind us they play an incredible season. They push us to the limit, it’s a sad day for them but we need to appreciate what they’ve done and especially my former coach.
“We look forward to competing with them next season.”
Gundogan is not the only Muslim player in the Man City team. Algeria’s Riyad Mahrez and France’s Benjamin Mendy also play for the premier league champion.