Match of the Day 2 pundit Danny Murphy has highlighted Manchester City’s mentality as a key quality that has allowed them to pursue the treble.
City secured an impressive 3-0 win against Everton on Sunday, with Ilkay Gundogan and Erling Haaland scoring the goals at Goodison Park.
The win – coupled with Arsenal’s 3-0 loss to Brighton later that day – restored City’s four-point lead at the top of the table with just three games left to play.
Even if Arsenal win their next match, Pep Guardiola’s side will be crowned Premier League champions for a third successive season if they beat Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
City’s immediate attention will turn to the second leg of their Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid on Wednesday.
Victory against Manchester United in the FA Cup final on 3 June, as well as in the Champions League final a week later should they get there, would make City only the second English side to win the treble.
History has proven that winning three major trophies in one season is no mean feat.
As former Premier League midfielder Danny Murphy pointed out on Match of the Day 2 on Sunday, talent has not been the only factor that has taken City to the edge of glory.
“Great players and great teams have a wonderful mentality wherever they play,” Murphy said.
“This is a game against Everton a few days after playing arguably the biggest game of the season at the Bernabeu.
“The mentality, professionalism and concentration was just brilliant.”
Murphy also highlighted the hard work City put in, especially those players who have not played as much football recently as they would have liked.
“Laporte comes into the team, doesn’t moan. He steps in, always calm, reads the game well.
“Foden, he’s winning headers on the back post. He’s another one who could be upset with not playing much recently.
“I think too often we eulogize about the creative aspect of City, [but you need] the work ethic and the ability to concentrate – don’t start thinking about Real Madrid in a few days, or what’s just gone.
You give Everton the respect they deserve and you get the job done. Another clean sheet, now they’ve got the equal best defensive record with Newcastle in the league.”
