Premier League: the final day of 2013/14 season – in pictures

So, it's come to this. Liverpool need a minor miracle if they are to lift the Premier League trophy this afternoon. And such is the expectancy that City will claim top spot that the trophy is pitchside at the Etihad Stadium (we dare say there's a replica in the backrooms of Anfield, too, just in case) Photograph: Carl Recine/Action Images

Joe Hart and Sergio Aguero were among the city team who lifted the trophy two years ago in such dramatic fashion after beating QPR Photograph: Rui Vieira/AP

This chap is optimistic, to say the least. Liverpool must win today and hope City lose if they are to claim their 19th crown. But given the twists and turns we've seen this season – top spot has changed hands 25 times – you never know what might happen Photograph: Michael Mayhew/Sportsphoto/Sportsphoto Ltd./Allstar

Never before has Steven Gerrard gone into the final day of a league season knowing his team could still, theoretically, win the league. he'll have mixed emotions today, given his own fortunes in recent weeks Photograph: Peter Byrne/PA

The games get underway and Samir Nasri of Manchester City looks to test his West Ham counterparts in the drizzle Photograph: Alex Livesey/Getty Images

Liverpool's Jordan Henderson challenges for the ball with Newcastle United's Cheick Tiote Photograph: PHIL NOBLE/REUTERS

Luis Suarez puts Newcastle United's Mathieu Debuchy under pressure Photograph: PHIL NOBLE/REUTERS

Suarez is livid when he has a goal ruled out in the 18th minute. It was an audacious, quick free-kick with the outside of his boot, but it's been disallowed because the referee had not given him permission to take it Photograph: John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images

Soon thereafter, Liverpool are embarrassed when Martin Skrtel scores an own goal, deflecting a cross from the left flank beyond his own keeper Photograph: Peter Byrne/PA

With City still drawing 0-0, Liverpool now need a three goal swing to claim the title Photograph: Michael Mayhew/Sportsphoto/Sportsphoto Ltd./Allstar

Worse news for Liverpool arrives when Samir Nasri scores before the interval to put City on the brink of delirium. His shot from distance should have been saved, but the sheer pace on it allowed it to find the far corner Photograph: Tom Jenkins

City almost conspired to mess it up from this position (being 1-0 up against QPR) two years ago, but surely they've got this in the bank Photograph: Tom Jenkins

At half-time, Liverpool's fans look dejected Photograph: Peter Byrne/PA

Early in the second half, Manchester City's Vincent Kompany stabs home from close range to put City 2-0 up against West Ham. Pellegrini's men are romping home Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Liverpool score twice in quick succession, first through Daniel Agger and then through Daniel Sturridge Photograph: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images Europe

The two goals are remarkably similar, both of them arriving from whipped free-kicks to the far post. Liverpool are 2-1 up but it matters little because City are cruising to the finish line ... Photograph: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC

The final whistle blows at the Etihad and City's players are swamped by fans. They're the Premier League champions of 2013-14 Photograph: Martin Rickett/PA

The pitch is soon awash with supporters Photograph: Martin Rickett/PA

... some of whom remember what it was like being a City fan in the old days Photograph: Rui Vieira/AP

City captain Vincent Kompany hoists the Premier League trophy aloft Photograph: Tom Jenkins/Tom Jenkins

Then down comes the ticker tape Photograph: Tom Jenkins

City's players revel in the victory. They've scored 102 goals, won 27 games (including their last five in a row) and, most critically, they've beaten Liverpool to first place by two points Photograph: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images Europe

Over at Anfield, there are smiles despite the defeat. Suarez, who cried when Liverpool effectively conceded the title with a draw against Crystal Palace, celebrates what has been a sparkling season for him. he's scored 31 league goals – ten more than anyone else Photograph: Sportsphoto Ltd./Allstar

Brendan Rodgers will reflect on a remarkable season, albeit one which ended with heartbreak. He waves goodbye to fans at Anfield who, for a while at least, thought the league title might be theirs this year Photograph: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images

Back at the Etihad, City's players are still lording it up. Here, Stevan Jovetic and Sergio Aguero share a selfie Photograph: Tom Jenkins

Even Noel Gallagher is getting in on the action. The City fan and musician has nabbed Kompany's captain's armband Photograph: Tom Jenkins

City's fans delight in the fortunes of recent weeks which have helped them come from nine points behind to win the league Photograph: Tom Jenkins

But, in truth, the man they really want to thank is their manager, Pellegrini. It's been his first season in the English top flight and he's quietly guided City back to the top of the pile Photograph: Tom Jenkins