How Pellegrini handed City the trophy
The season was a personal triumph for the Chilean's unyielding commitment to an attacking game, and key buys in the transfer market
By packing a punch on the pitch and in the transfer market, Manchester City managed to outmuscle their rivals in the race for Premier League glory in 2013-14.
Liverpool's late collapse may have opened the door for them, but it was only thanks to a well-equipped squad and a blistering 102-goal attack that City were able to take advantage.
The foundations were laid in the last close season, when City's Abu Dhabi owners invested over £90 million (HK$1.1 billion) in new players, including Brazil midfielder Fernandinho and Spain striker Alvaro Negredo.
There are different ways to win titles. I choose attractive football, so that the fans enjoy the season. Maybe you can win titles other ways. For me, the aesthetic part is very important
Fernandinho's arrival liberated Yaya Toure from his defensive responsibilities and the Ivorian colossus responded with the finest season of his career, amassing 20 goals in the league and 24 in all competitions.
Negredo struck up a devastating strike partnership with Sergio Aguero, and when injury curtailed their influence in the second half of the campaign, Edin Dzeko stepped in with a burst of crucial goals.
The season proved a personal triumph for manager Manuel Pellegrini, who ended his maiden campaign in English soccer with a league title and a League Cup winner's medal.
The titles represent the first major silverware the Chilean has won in Europe, after nine trophy-less years in Spain, and were the reward for his unyielding commitment to attacking soccer.