VIDEO AND PICTURES: Chelsea give Man City guard of honour

Chelsea have given Manchester City a guard of honour on Sunday to commemorate their Premier League title success.

Manchester City received a guard of honour from Chelsea’s players before their Premier League showdown today after the Citizens were confirmed as Premier League champions following Arsenal’s defeat to Nottingham Forest last night.

And, in traditional fashion, they received a guard of honour in their next match however a number of City’s main players – responsible for the league title – weren’t present in the line-up.

The likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Erling Haaland, Bernardo Silva and Jack Grealish were all absent during the Cityzens’ walk through the guard of honour after manager Pep Guardiola opted to rest his several of his key players.

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WATCH: CHELSEA FORM GUARD OF HONOUR FOR PREMIER LEAGUE CHAMPIONS

WHAT CHELSEA BOSS SAID ABOUT THE GUARD OF HONOUR

“The only inspiration should be what it’s taken City to get where they are. The trophy lift is something to be respectful of. Understanding why they are lifting it is another. 

“I remember getting that [a guard of honour] as a player and it was something that was very respectful, so I have no problem with that at all.”

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What is a guard of honour in football?

A guard of honour has become a hot topic in recent Premier League seasons with pressure on the non-champions to adhere to it.

Effectively, a guard of honour involves the opposition playing squad lining up on either side of the tunnel entrance to clap the champions onto the pitch, before the game begins.

Premier League referees allow for a slight adjustment to pre-game warmups to facilitate the move and Chelsea will follow suit in Manchester.

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PICTURES OF THE BLUES’ GUARD OF HONOUR