city carries away the crown

Despite its wealthy, yet underdog status, Manchester City proves its mettle against respected neighbour Manchester United

one of the more dramatic finishes in football’s Premier League history eventuated on May 12, as in its twentieth season, the English Premier League (EPL) weaved a stunning come-from-behind script for Manchester City, who, with two late strikes against relegation candidates Queens Park Rangers, sealed their first championship since 1968.

The victory was only made sweeter for Manchester City due to the manner in which it came about. The battle was between the unfavourable underdog, City, and its more popular, respected rival in Manchester United. City has always struggled to shake off the image of being the richest club in the world, yet lacking in club tradition and culture.

Sir Alex Ferguson, the United manager, said recently that there was nothing that could be done about City’s penchant to “spend a fortune, pay stupid money, (and) pay silly salaries”.

It cannot be denied, however, that this season may be the beginning of the elusive respect Manchester City is seeking. While the obscene amounts of cash associated with the club will always raise eyebrows, the team’s refusal to give up on the premiership will have won them many fans.

Midway through the season, City had opened up a sizeable lead in the table, but United kept cutting away at it until, leading into the last few matches, United had taken an 8 point lead with just 6 matches to go. Roberto Mancini, the Manchester City manager, had even conceded that the title race was over, and United had won.

The season featured many stunning matches, including Arsenal’s embarrassing 8-2 loss to the Red Devils. However, it was United’s shock 4-4 draw with Everton, during which they led 4-2 with just six minutes to go and six rounds to go, that would prove the crucial turning point in the end. This draw reduced the deficit between United and City to just 3 points, and with City winning the derby match in the third-last round of the season, the Premier League was, for the first time in history, decided on goal difference.

What made the final day of the season even more scintillating for fans was the fact that Manchester United’s match against Sunderland took place concurrently to City’s against QPR. As United wrapped up a 1-0 win at Sunderland, for few minutes, their fans were jubilant as they kept track of the score between Manchester

City and QPR. City, who trailed 1-2 until the second minute of stoppage time, equalised with just three minutes left to go. A draw would only earn City one point, not enough to win the premiership. It seemed like it would be a bridge too far, yet somehow, miraculously, Sergio Aguero blazed in a kick one minute from full time that sent his home crowd from the brink of tears to sheer ecstasy.

EPL pundit, and diehard Manchester United supporter, Jerry Lin perhaps best summed up the collective United heartbreak: “Whilst I never expected anything positive out of the final day of the season, given United