Even casual observers of Manchester City will have noticed a significant improvement in the quality of their play this season compared to last.
Manuel Pellegrini’s second year in charge saw his side beset by inertia and unable to sustain a title challenge after the turn of the year.
With six games of the season left, their top-four status was in doubt, until a late rally saw them finish comfortably in second. Chelsea, who limped through the final stretch of matches after Jose Mourinho had shied away from rotation for much of the season, were allowed the win the title at a canter.