As the season drew to a close, the manager's job became increasingly demanding—especially for someone like O'Neill, who still had a trophy to chase. Every decision, every formation, every substitution mattered more than ever.
Manchester City had secured an away victory against Newcastle United in their final league match, putting the finishing touches on a remarkable campaign.
The league table reflected their dominance:
Manchester City (C) – 104 points
Arsenal – 93 points
Manchester United – 85 points
Chelsea – 80 points
Leeds United – 79 points
Blackburn Rovers – 77 points
Liverpool – 76 points
With City crowned champions, the attention now shifted to the remaining objectives. Richard knew that securing his final trophy wouldn't be easy, but the team's confidence was sky-high, and every player felt the momentum of a season defined by consistency, skill, and determination.