Intro

It's been a funny season because clearly everything has changed at City. At the start of the campaign, it seemed the brand-new style of play the manager had imposed wasn't working as often as it was. City were often open and easy to break down, especially away from home, in the early part of the season, but a monumental winter got the Blues back into the title race.

So the original expectation of a title challenge looked problematic in autumn, but it was well on track by Christmas, and now that City have won the Premier League title, I suppose the reality has met preseason expectations!

Star Pupil

There is only one player who can be top of the class this season. Twenty goals from midfield tells the story -- only Frank Lampard has EVER scored more from central midfield in a Premier League season -- so Yaya Toure's influence over the course of 2013-14 has been huge. He's had a lot of help from Fernandinho and David Silva in terms of creating chances, but he's been the most consistent all season.

Detention

It's a bit harsh to dive in and criticise any one individual this season because most City players have had very good seasons. Goalkeeper Joe Hart started shakily, but some good management got him back on track, while Martin Demichelis has had his critics -- though has won them round with some brilliant performances in the final weeks of the campaign.

Stevan Jovetic and Matija Nastasic have had troubled seasons with injury, so it's harsh to criticise on that basis, though centre-backs Joleon Lescott and Micah Richards might be disappointed with the game time they've had.

Teachers' Notes

Manuel Pellegrini deserves to be named Manager of the Year for what he has achieved, how he has achieved it, and how quickly he has achieved it. To imprint a new playing style on a team so swiftly in a country and culture that is new to you really deserves the highest praise. Doubts were expressed early on, but those who knew anything about him knew that City had brought a man of calm, methodical professionalism to Manchester for good reason. Success with style and, boy, did he produce it.

Final Grade

A+ -- Difficult to improve on this, to be honest. Two domestic trophies in one season, scintillating football, 150-plus goals, a solid commitment to stylish football. Obviously, going further in the Champions League will be a priority next time out. After three seasons of competing, City finally escaped the group phase this season, only to run straight into Barcelona. In both of those games with the Spanish champions, there was little to choose between the two sides. I imagine going further will be high on the agenda for the powers that be. Teamwise, a partner for Vincent Kompany will be a must along with some bolstering of the full-back positions, but the rest of the team practically picks itself, so adjustments to the squad depth are perhaps all that needs to be looked at, with the departure of the likes of Micah Richards, Joleon Lescott and Jack Rodwell demanding better-quality replacements.