Manchester City’s crowning moment as Premier League champions was captured in this defining moment.

Sat together as a squad, City’s Treble-hunting stars huddled as they watched Arsenal – who have emerged as fierce rivals this season – take on Nottingham Forest in a game they couldn’t lose in order to keep the title-race alive.

But lose they did. Taiwo Awoniyi scored the only goal as Forest claimed a 1-0 win at the City Ground, both cementing their place in the Premier League for another season, and at the same time ending the title-race for good.

The likes of Jack Grealish, Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva can be seen counting down the seconds as the referee waited to blow the final whistle. The trio, surrounded by their team-mates, burst into frantic celebrations as full-time – and their third-straight Premier League title triumph – was confirmed.

Of course, Pep Guardiola’s side came into the weekend needing just one win from three games to wrap up the title, hosting Chelsea on Sunday afternoon. But, in the end, they claimed the prize without even kicking a ball.

The winning moment! 🎉 pic.twitter.com/QceofBIqoh

— Manchester City (@ManCity) May 20, 2023

Man City’s squad watched on together as they were crowned Premier League champions

The club posted several pictures of their stars celebrating being crowned Premier League champions

Phile Foden (left) reacted to the news with team-mates Jack Grealish (second right) and Alvarez (right)

The club posted several images of their stars reveling in their newly-cemented status back at the pinnacle of English football.

City’s Instagram post included snaps of Guardiola embracing Grealish, Julian Alvarez in ecstasy alongside stalwart defender Ruben Dias, versatile midfielder Bernardo Silva mid-dance with his team-mates and Phil Foden enjoying the moment with Grealish and Alvarez.

City continued their celebrations on social media, with Haaland, who will finish the season as the highest-ever scorer in the top-flight’s history, leading the way.

He took to Instagram immediately as City’s celebrations began, pictured alongside a Premier League trophy graphic, in a design that had clearly been made in advance.

The prolific, record-breaking forward provided a motivational message alongside his post. It reads: ‘Always give your best. Always believe. It pays off. C’MON CITY!’

Midfielders Kevin De Bruyne – who has been so crucial to City’s title charge – and Foden posted similar pictures, while defender Aymeric Laporte took to Instagram as he posted a picture of himself celebrating.

Alongside Laporte’s post, he wrote: ‘ANOTHER (ANOTHER, ANOTHER, ANOTHER, ANOTHER) ONE. Credit to absolutely everyone involved from top to bottom. Every one of use fought for this. More to come soon hopefully but we can already be proud of this one. COME ON CITY!!’

A banner was also erected outside the Etihad stadium shortly after City were confirmed as champions, displaying captain Ilkay Gundogan with the rest of his Premier League-winning side.

Bernardo Silva (pictured) was among the stars to celebrate as Arsenal lost to Nottingham Forest

Jack Grealish (centre) jumped into the air in delight as City sealed their third-straight title

Prolific forward Erling Haaland immediately took to social media as the celebrations began

Within only minutes of City’s latest feat, a banner was erected outside the Etihad Stadium

Fans immediately began to congregate outside of the stadium following Arsenal’s defeat

Manchester City captain Gundogan, who has scored four goals in the last two league games, said: ‘The Premier League is without doubt the most demanding and competitive league in the world, so that tells you everything about what an achievement this is.

‘To have won this trophy three times in a row and five times in six years is incredible. That quality and consistency helps sum up what Manchester City stand for and ensures the club will continue to strive for success going forward.’

He added: ‘I would also like to thank Pep, all the backroom staff and everyone who works across this football club. Every single day they help provide us as players with everything we need in order to try to be successful. There is no way we could have won this title without all their support.

‘It has been a season I will never forget. Our amazing fans have been with us every single step of the way. Without their amazing backing I don’t think there is any way we would have been able to achieve what we have done these past six seasons. Their passion and support have been so important and inspirational for us all.

‘Hopefully winning the Premier League title again is a fitting way for us to say thank you to our fans.’

Fans also started to congregate outside the stadium immediately after Arsenal’s defeat to Forest.

Ilkay Gundogan paid tribute to Guardiola after City sealed their third successive title on Saturday

Man City became just the fifth side to secure three consecutive titles, after Huddersfield, Liverpool Man United and Arsenal

The newly-crowned champions posed for a picture on a rooftop with each person wearing a t-shirt emblazoned with ‘Champions’

Impressive as Haaland’s goals have been this season, Guardiola’s decision to switch from a 4-3-3 kick-started the ruthless run of form that saw him reel in his protege, Mikel Arteta.

With the top-flight now sealed, the club’s gaze will unsurprisingly turn to completing the remaining components of a potential Treble that lie up for grabs.

First up, on June 3, they will face bitter rivals Manchester United in the FA Cup final, before taking on Inter Milan for a chance at a maiden Champions League title seven days later in Istanbul.

But first, Chelsea at home on Sunday afternoon, where the celebrations will well and truly continue.