Gundogan: Title intervention for Man City was ´destiny´

Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan theorised it was “destiny” for him to deliver a quickfire double to win his side the Premier League on the final day of the season.

The Germany international struck twice in a dramatic second-half comeback, as Pep Guardiola’s side overturned a two-goal deficit to beat Aston Villa 3-2.

That result ensured a successful defence of their top-flight crown, edging rivals Liverpool by one point to make it four league titles in the past five seasons under Guardiola.

Having been benched for the start of the game, Gundogan’s introduction helped cement a turnaround in form, and he suggests his crucial intervention may have been fate. 

“I don’t know, maybe it was destiny, maybe it was a bit of luck,” he told City’s official website.

“But I was twice at the right spot and was able to score. I didn’t really have a choice I feel.

“We just had 20 minutes to play, we were 2-0 down so all I wanted to try was to get into the box and smell where the danger might be.

This season was not always easy for me, but I am happy and proud of my achievement and my amazing team. Thanks to all the fans and enjoy the summer pic.twitter.com/FSYJBDDArk

— Ilkay Gündogan (@IlkayGuendogan) May 23, 2022

“The first goal, the header, I knew that [Raheem Sterling] was going to go to the by-line and cross.

“I felt like the danger might be at the second post and the ball was perfect to be honest. I just had to put my head on it.

“The third goal, we all know Kevin [De Bruyne]’s quality, whipping the ball to the second post.

“So, for me, the timing was important to anticipate when he was going to play the ball, make the run and try to stay onside. The timing was perfect!”