Title Review: April 2013

ManUtd.com’s review of the 20th title rolls on to April...

Overview: A narrow defeat in the Manchester derby saw April begin with a whimper, but any blues were soon banished as Sir Alex’s men earned four credible points from two tricky away days at Stoke City and West Ham. Those results, coupled with City’s loss at Spurs, allowed the Reds to seal the title via a 3-0 win over Aston Villa at Old Trafford before the champions were afforded a guard of honour prior to drawing 1-1 with Arsenal at the Emirates.

Key moment: With his first championship crown up for grabs, Robin van Persie showed off his immeasurable quality by scoring a sublime first-half hat-trick to inspire victory over the Villains. His volley, teed up by the impressive Wayne Rooney, later earned the Goal of the Month and Goal of the Season awards.

Star man: Shinji Kagawa was majestic while Antonio Valencia appeared to turn a corner but no player influenced the team as much as RvP, whose displays reminded everybody why his capture from Arsenal was pivotal to the title race.

State of play: With the title wrapped up and just three games left to play, the Reds ended the month eyeing a club-record Premier League points haul.