EDS Crowned Premier League 2 Champions for a Record Fourth Time

Manchester City’s Elite Development Squad have hit new heights, claiming the 2024/25 Premier League 2 title and setting a new standard in youth football.

The young Blues capped off a phenomenal campaign with a 2–0 win over Southampton at the Joie Stadium, securing the trophy in style. The result not only brought silverware home but made City the most decorated club in PL2 history, with four titles — more than any other side since the league began in 2012.

 A Season of Records and Resilience

From the very start, City’s EDS squad looked like a team on a mission. Under the guidance of Ben Wilkinson, in his first season in charge, the team delivered a dominant league performance — 15 wins, 2 draws, 3 losses — finishing top of the table with a record 47 points.

The numbers were breathtaking: 61 goals scored, 23 conceded, and a +38 goal difference. But the journey didn’t stop there.

The new play-off format, introduced in 2023/24, meant City had to go through a knockout stage to lift the title. And they did — the hard way.

Battle-Tested in the Play-Offs

The run-in saw City dig deep and show their character. They edged past Liverpool and Arsenal in tense, extra-time clashes that pushed them to their limits. A fiery semi-final victory over Manchester United followed, setting up the grand finale against Southampton.

In total, the Blues hit the net nine times in four play-off matches, conceding just three. The final saw them deliver a composed performance — clinical, confident, and controlled.

Future Stars Shine Bright

This season was as much about individual development as team success.

• Jahmai Simpson-Pusey, named PL2 Player of the Season, capped off a breakout year that included his first-team debut under Pep Guardiola.
• Divin Mubama, who joined the Academy last summer, finished as the EDS’ top scorer with 16 goals in 13 appearances — a true predator in front of goal.
• Emilio Lawrence led the assist tally with seven, impressing with his creativity despite missing the season’s closing stages through injury.