Ilkay Gundogan came off the bench to inspire Manchester City to the win that secured the Premier League title on Sunday, but spare a thought for Bernardo Silva.
Gundogan came on in the 68th minute, just before Philippe Coutinho made it 2-0 to Aston Villa, as it looked like City would let the title slip from their grasp.
But in scenes comparable to their incredible win over QPR on the final day of the 2011-12 season, City scored three goals in the space of five minutes and 37 seconds to turn the game on its head.
Gundogan scored twice, either side of Rodri s equaliser, to seal his name in City folklore.
It was Silva who made way for Gundogan and, while celebrating his first Premier League title in style, it would seem a rather jolly Jack Grealish could not resist having a friendly jibe at his team-mate.
PREMIER LEAGUE CHAMPIONS!
WOW
— Jack Grealish (@JackGrealish)
Having taken the microphone from Kyle Walker, who had been busy eulogising about John Stones, Grealish said on City s official live stream of the open-top bus parade through Manchester: Do you know what, I said earlier on the coach, it s been brilliant to win my first title.
I want to thank everyone, but the main person I want to thank is Bernardo Silva for coming off in the 70th minute, because he was miles off it yesterday!
Grealish seemed intent on being the life of the party, also quipping that Pep Guardiola had signed him because he is the only player capable of beating Walker in a one-v-one, though the England international is probably fortunate that City do not have training to focus on any time soon. He may just have a sore head come Tuesday morning.
