Manchester City celebrated their fifth Premier League title in six years yesterday at the Etihad Stadium, and there was a heartwarming moment amid all the enjoyment between Ederson and Julian Alvarez.
City were confirmed as champions again when Arsenal lost to Nottingham Forest on Saturday night.
That result meant the Gunners could no longer catch Pep Guardiola’s side.
So City’s game against Chelsea yesterday actually had a somewhat odd feel to it.
In the end, it was kind of just in the way of the post-match celebrations that would be taking place.
City ended up beating Chelsea 1-0, with a lot of fringe players getting minutes.
And there was a start for Alvarez up front – and the Argentine did what he usually does when he starts games and scored.
Wesley Fofana gave the ball away cheaply to Kalvin Phillips, who released Cole Palmer. Palmer then slipped in Alvarez who made no mistake with his finish into the far corner.
That was goal number 17 in all competitions for the Argentine, which is a brilliant return considering he’s spent a fair bit of time on the bench in his first campaign.
Quite simply, City fans love Alvarez.
Not only is he a wonderfully talented footballer, but he also seems like a nice guy, who doesn’t complain and just gets on with things. He’s also a great team player who works hard off the ball.
During his time at the club so far, Alvarez has come across as very modest and humble. And there was a moment during the title celebrations yesterday where those traits were on display.
Ederson pushes humble Julian Alvarez to bask in the glory during Man City title celebrations
After the game with Chelsea, City’s players then all took turns with the trophy, hoisting it high before the home supporters.
In a clip shared on Twitter by @19Alvarezz, there is a moment during the celebrations where Phil Foden has the trophy and he then brings it back looking for the next person to pass it to.
Just in the background, you can see Ederson shove Alvarez forwards so that he can have his moment in the spotlight.
Alvarez then almost apologetically makes his way forward, flanked by Foden and Ruben Dias, and lifts the title a few times.
It is endearing that Alvarez seemingly didn’t want to march forwards himself and have his moment with the trophy.
Supposedly he is a bit of a shy character, something Sergio Aguero confirmed when the club signed him. The City legend said (via mancity.com): “He is a good kid, he’s a phenomenon, shy and quiet.”
But yesterday was a moment Alvarez absolutely deserved. And good on Ederson for giving him the little nudge he maybe needed. Because he’s made many big contributions this season and is a top player, who fans already adore.
