City stakes claim to greatness

Holding off Liverpool to retain title puts Guardiola's crew among all-time elite

BRIGHTON, England - Manchester City rewrote the record book in a near flawless campaign to win the Premier League last season, but by holding off Liverpool to retain the title, it secured its status as one of the EPL's all-time best.

A year ago it seemed City had set impossible standards to sustain in a 100-point season, winning the title with five games to go.