Manchester City's captain Vincent Kompany (C) celebrates with the English Premier League trophy following their soccer match against West Ham United at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, northern England May 11, 2014. [Photo/Agencies]

MANCHESTER - The songs and the chanting started well before the final whistle this time, and as it blew, Manchester City fans setting off blue flares streamed onto the pitch in their thousands.

For the second time in three seasons, a team so long the underdog is the Premier League champion - and it didn't need any last-minute miracles this time.

Unlike its injury-time comeback on the last day in 2012, City sealed the title with a comfortable 2-0 victory over West Ham on Sunday. That ensured that Liverpool finished two points behind despite ending the season with a 2-1 win over Newcastle.

On a final day lacking drama, the only other matter to settle was sixth place, with Tottenham denying deposed champion Manchester United the final Europa League spot by beating Aston Villa 3-0.

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