Judging by the way Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, deputy prime minister of the UAE and minister of presidential affairs, celebrated his Manchester City side’s Premier League success, in the end it was a piece of cake.

But while victory over West Ham on the final day to seal triumph tasted so sweet, the climax to the campaign was stomach-churning as well as sensational.

Some will say Arsenal, top for 128 days, blew it. Others will say Chelsea, top for 64 days, blew it. And even more will say Liverpool, top for 59 days, blew it. But the majority will have to admit City were nerveless under pressure and claimed the title by being classy and courageous.

As both Chelsea and Liverpool faltered in a gripping run-in, Manuel Pellegrini’s men were focused and finished with five straight wins to top the table for just 15 days and pip the Reds by two points.

The table will show City had the most wins (27) and scored the most goals (102). They were bold with their attacking style, recording comprehensive, victories against their rivals.

Fallen champions Manchester United conceded seven goals in their two derby meetings, while Arsenal were smashed 6-3 and Spurs flayed 5-1.

Chelsea did beat them twice, but Jose Mourinho’s men were undone by inconsistency – dropping 15 points against strugglers such as West Brom, Aston Villa, Sunderland, Crystal Palace, West Ham and Norwich.

Liverpool came so, so close to winning their first championship since 1990. Dropping five early points to Swansea and Southampton during the six-match suspension of Luis Suarez were costly, but more so the 2-0 Anfield defeat to Chelsea with three games remaining and the destiny of the title in their hands.

It also saw Steven Gerrard’s fabulous season marred by a slip that allowed Demba Ba to score.

The twists also included the demise of United as David Moyes saw his much-hyped managerial reign last 10 troubled months as they ended up seventh and miss out on Europe for the first time since 1990. Few saw that coming.

More predictable was Arsenal’s capitulation after a strong start, and the exit of Andre Villas-Boas at Spurs as they could not cope without Gareth Bale and saw the Gunners snatch fourth.

Everton excelled under Roberto Martinez, while Mauricio Pochettino’s stock rose as Southampton excited. But it was not so easy for other bosses as 10 lost their jobs.

Fulham had three, Martin Jol, Rene Meulensteen and Felix Magath, but nothing could save them. Norwich got rid of Chris Hughton when it was too late and Cardiff’s controversial owner Vincent Tan fell out with Malky Mackay, and rookie replacement Ole Gunnar Solskjaer led them into the Championship.

West Brom sacked Steve Clarke, but Pepe Mel suffered the same outcome despite survival. Michael Laudrup was a surprise dismissal at Swansea, who managed to battle away from trouble along with West Ham, Aston Villa and Hull.

Stoke over-achieved, Newcastle under-achieved. Gus Poyet revived Sunderland after Paolo Di Canio’s dismissal, and somehow kept them up, while Tony Pulis was also a miracle worker at Crystal Palace.

PLAYER OF THE SEASON
Yaya Toure (Man City)

Industrious, inspirational, immense. Luis Suarez had a fine season, but City were champions and Toure was a powerhouse who became only the second central midfielder to score 20 goals in the EPL era.

BEST YOUNG PLAYER
Luke Shaw (Southampton)

A place in England’s World Cup squad was deserved for the left-back, 18, who was a key member of the swashbuckling Saints this season. Composed and cultured, he is likely to join Manchester United and destined to perform at the top for years to come.

BEST SIGNING
Jason Puncheon (Crystal Palace)

A revelation after making his loan from Southampton permanent in January for £1.75 million (Dh10.8m). Without his seven goals Palace might well have been down.

SURPRISE PACKAGE
Hull City

They were surprisingly promoted and then held their own in the top flight without really strengthening until January when strikers Shane Long and Nikica Jelavic arrived. The Tigers reached the FA Cup final, and Europa League spot, was an added bonus.

BEST GOAL
Pajtim Kasami (Fulham v Crystal Palace, Mon, October 21, 2013)

Kasami has the edge over efforts from Wayne Rooney, Jonjo Shelvey and Jack Wilshere. Taking a long ball on the chest, he smashed a volley from the right wing into the top corner a la Marco van Basten at Euro 1988.

BEST GAME
Crystal Palace 3-3 Liverpool (Monday, May 5, 2014)

Palace were safe from relegation, but pride and manager Tony Pulis wouldn’t let them lie down after Liverpool led 3-0. Nine minutes saw Mark Delaney’s strike and Dwight Gayle’s double snatch a point that seemed impossible and wrecked the Reds’ title dream.

BEST MANAGER
Gus Poyet (Sunderland)

Tony Pulis, Brendan Rodgers, Steve Bruce and Manuel Pellegrini are all contenders. But Poyet didn’t just save Sunderland he resurrected them.

BIGGEST FLOP 
Ricky van Wolfswinkel (Norwich)

Norwich paid £8.5m (Dh52m) for him but he was awful and they were relegated. Scored on the opening day against Everton and that was it.