Man City's Premier League title celebration delayed by massive pitch invasion

Manchester City sealed their second Premier League title in three seasons with a 2-0 win over West Ham on the final day of the season, prompting a massive celebratory pitch invasion at the Etihad. City's stadium announcer attempted to restore order with a series of unimpressed calls for everyone to return to their seats so preparations for the trophy presentation could be made, but the mass of jubilant fans who rushed to hug and kiss the players took their sweet time in doing so. And musically inclined Man City fans Noel Gallagher (who got Vincent Kompany's armband after the match) and Johnny Marr were among them.

Once the pitch was cleared enough for the official celebration to proceed, City lifted the trophy — giving them two on the season after winning the League Cup in March. They beat out nearest challengers Liverpool (strong attack, but poor defense) and Chelsea (poor attack, but strong defense) to it with the most complete team in the league. And though the result might have seemed a foregone conclusion given their preseason expectations and the huge amount of money spent in recent years, it's a tremendous accomplishment for the club. It's been proven time and time again that having the most expensive team does not guarantee trophies. Those players too often considered "mercenaries" for taking as much money as they possibly can — like anyone else in any other profession would do — won't get results if they're more concerned with their wages than working hard. Focus and perseverance can't be bought and City proved that they had both this season.

Manager Manuel Pellegrini, a calming and steady influence on the team, wins the first domestic title of his European career in his first season with the club. And with him at the helm, it seems very possible that City will turn their sudden success and rapid rise to becoming an international brand into a new dynasty as local rivals Manchester United begin a rebuilding process that follows their own lengthy period of unmatched success.

The threat of punishment for City's financial fair play violations hangs over the club as a possible speed bump, but with their limitless resources and increasingly firm foundation in place, they are the new final boss in the Premier League video game.

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Brooks Peck

is the editor of Dirty Tackle on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him or follow on Twitter! Follow @BrooksDT