Our Under-21s retained the title we have won for the past two seasons thanks to a fine 3-0 win against Blackburn.
In the process, Brian Barry-Murphy’s exciting young squad have carved City’s name into the record books with no side having ever won three PL2 titles in a row up until now.
It’s yet another magnificent achievement for our youngsters and one that caps a magnificent second season at the helm for Barry-Murphy.
Appointed to the role in the summer of 2021 in succession to Enzo Maresca, City’s Under-21s have gone on to thrive under the former Rochdale manager’s inspired leadership.
Our brand of exciting, possession-based attacking football has garnered widespread praise and the EDS squad have gone from strength to strength as the season has progressed.
In his two seasons at the helm, several members of Barry-Murphy’s squad have also been afforded their first team debuts as well as furthering their football education by regularly training with Pep Guardiola’s squad.
Furthermore, since last summer three members of the EDS squad – Northern Ireland’s Shea Charles, Thomas Galvez of Finland and Australia’s Alex Robertson - have all been capped at senior international level by their countries.
To date we have plundered a remarkable 73 goals from our 24 games – while our back line has only conceded 28 goals, both tallies the respective best figures in the league.
City also lead the way in clean sheets (9), possession, passes, as well as touches in the opposition box.
Our title triumph has also proved a real collective effort with every member of Barry-Murphy’s squad making their own vital contribution to the cause with 20 players either scoring or providing an assist.
City also boast the leading scorer in PL2 with Portuguese winger Carlos Borges having plundered 20 goals so far this term.
Meanwhile, Oscar Bobb’s 15 assists across the campaign is also another PL2 best with Dire Mebude (14) and Borges (8) second and third on the list.
CITY v WOLVES: WATCH THE PL2 CHAMPIONS IN ACTION
Reflecting on the achievement, Academy director Jason Wilcox and City manager Pep Guardiola both paid their own tributes to the squad’s magnificent success.
“To win the Premier League 2 title for a third season in a row is an incredible achievement from our Elite Development Squad,” said former England international Wilcox, a Premier League title winner with Blackburn in his playing days.
“We have once again fielded one of the youngest squads in PL2 and whilst we have been extremely proud of the superb results this season, we are even more proud and appreciative of the way this latest title has been won.
“Our Under-21s have once again served as the benchmark for the style of play we want all our age groups to adopt here at the Academy.”
That was a point echoed by Guardiola, who highlighted the week in, week out consistency and excellence once again demonstrated by our Under-21s.
“I am so delighted for everyone here at Manchester City to see the Elite Development Squad made it three titles in a row,” said Pep.
“You cannot believe how tough it is to win this title once, so to become champions for three seasons in a row is an incredible achievement.”
Our lates PL2 title success follows a fourth consecutive Premier League North title triumph for our Under-18s which was clinched on Saturday afternoon.
Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola‘s first team are competing for trophies in three major competitions this season. As well as progression to the UEFA Champions League semi-final and the FA Cup final, we will be looking to make it a hat-trick of titles at Premier League level.
City’s EDS squad are expected to be presented with the trophy and medals following our final home game of the season against Wolves on Saturday, April 29.
You can find out how to watch the Champions in action with ticket information available here.
Everyone at Manchester City would like to congratulate Brian, his staff and the squad on their tremendous achievement.
