On arguably the most insane matchday in Premier League history, Manchester City won the 2011/12 title ahead of rivals Manchester United.
To set the scene, City and United both sat level on 86 points with one game left to play. City were top on goal difference and had managed to catch up on the eight-point lead that United held over them with six games to go. This would make for an enthralling final day, with United needing to better City’s score in order to win the league.
City were at home to QPR, who needed a point to be certain of avoiding relegation. United were away at Sunderland and travelled to the Stadium of Light knowing they would need help from QPR if they were to have a chance at taking the title.
On This Day 2012: Sergio Aguero Hands Manchester City Their First Title Since 1968
The First Half
At the Stadium of Light, everything was going as planned for United. They dominated the opening and took the lead through Wayne Rooney after 20 minutes. Rooney’s goal would be the only significant action of the first half, as they went in at the break with a 1-0 lead.
Over at the Etihad Stadium, it was proving more difficult for City to settle in. Pablo Zabaleta eventually gave City the advantage in the 39th minute and the City fans could breathe a sigh of relief.
Both teams were going into half time with a 1-0 lead. After predictable first halves, this proved to be the calm before the storm.
The Second Half
Within three minutes drama had started to unfold at the Etihad. In the 48th minute, a mistake from Joleon Lescott allowed QPR striker Djibril Cisse to level the scores at 1-1. More chaos followed, QPR midfielder Joey Barton received his marching orders in the 55th minute for elbowing Carlos Tevez. The red card should have aided City, however, disaster struck in the 66th minute as Jamie Mackie headed QPR in front.
With United still winning 1-0 at Sunderland, the pendulum had swung against City. The news started filtering through at the Stadium of Light, and United knew they had one hand on the title. As things stood, United was three points ahead of City and if they could hold on to their lead the title would be theirs. Of course, this was pending on no turnaround from City.
The pressure was really starting to build at the Etihad, and City needed to roll the dice. They brought on strikers Edin Dzeko and Mario Balotelli as they prepared to go all out for the win. Chance after chance came with Dzeko hitting the post, and QPR keeper Paddy Kenny making numerous saves. City were running out of time, as the 90-minute mark approached and United were still winning.
Injury Time
United’s game was coming to an end, and it seemed their 1-0 victory would seal the title. No news from the Etihad was good news to the United fans and they started to celebrate. The Red Devils were just awaiting final confirmation that the game was over in Manchester.
Back in Manchester, the game was entering five minutes of injury time. In the 92nd minute, City had a lifeline. Edin Dzeko headed in from a corner to make the score level at 2-2. Celebrations were slightly muted because the fans knew a draw wasn’t enough. The goal had lifted the team and City were pressing hard for one final chance. The ball came to Balotelli on the edge of the box, who slipped as he was able to find Aguero. Dodging a sliding tackle, Aguero took a touch, went for goal and the rest is history. The 94th minute and he had won the game and title for Manchester City in the most dramatic fashion.
The Aftermath
Heartbreak for Manchester United, as the news rang through the Stadium of Light that City had done the unthinkable. The Reds would have to return to Manchester knowing the title was turning Sky Blue.
For Manchester City, it was their first top division title since 1968 and consequently, it would go on to set the precedent for future achievements for the club. Sergio Aguero now elevated to legendary status and his last gasp winner to hand City the title firmly cemented in Premier League history.
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