'This group of players have won in difficult places' - Munster ready for Bordeaux mission
Rory McIlroy turns to Bridgerton and John Grisham in a bid to tune out Masters noise
'ROG said that with the Munster man in him, he'll be a supporter now'
Vincent Kompany and Manchester City celebrate a remarkably-won trophy PA
Analysis
Premier League analysis: a moment to rank with the very greatest
Manchester City now have their own version of Anfield 1989, Camp Nou 1999 and Istanbul 2005 as they won the title in thrilling fashion after a match that proved a microcosm of their season: a lead, a collapse, a late, glorious winner. Miguel Delaney analyses an amazing day.
SO THIS IS how it feels to be City. The new City. The new champions of England.
As many expected, Roberto Mancini’s team beat QPR to win their sixth game in a row and, ultimately, their first title in 44 years. But no-one will have expected how they did it. On a thrilling final day, we saw a moment to rank up with the very greatest in football history. For Anfield 1989, Camp Nou 1999 and Istanbul 2005, City now have their own: Eastlands 2012. For once, the hype is fully justified.
As the clock ticked past 90 minutes, it looked like the title was undoubtedly going back to Old Trafford as a directionless, poor City toiled while losing 2-1 to QPR. Of course, it was said in the build-up to this game that there would likely be one last twist in-keeping with a season of so many surprises. We didn’t just see one though. We saw several.
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Indeed, the match that finally won City the title was a fitting microcosm of their season: an early lead, a second-half collapse, a situation that looked like it would be one of the worst bottle-jobs in the division’s history and, at the end, a raucous, glorious win by the smallest of margins.
And that makes City more than deserving champions. When it came right down to it, they stepped up.
Of course, there’s the possibility that QPR momentarily went to sleep as news came through of Bolton’s failure to do what they required at Stoke. But, to City’s credit, they didn’t. Indeed, some of their most criticised players illustrated moments of character.
It was Edin Dzeko, after all, who brought them back into the game and re-ignited belief when all seemed lost. And it was then Mario Balotelli who forced the opening for Sergio Aguero to provide that magnificent moment.
It shouldn’t be forgotten, however, that City were only in that situation because both Manchester United and QPR – for the most part – did their jobs. United absolutely battered Sunderland and could even have made up their goal difference only for Simon Mignolet to put in a superb performance. QPR, meanwhile, defended exceptionally. The desire was all too evident in the manner they threw their bodies at free-kicks.
And all that was, of course, in spite of Joey Barton’s ridiculous red card. Yes, he may have been goaded and even hit first by Carlos Tevez. But his response was utterly moronic. He should be rightfully punished for the kind of stupidity that may well have tilted the table on the last day.
Ultimately, though, it didn’t matter. Bolton couldn’t do their job. City did theirs.
Elsewhere, there was vindication for Arsene Wenger as – after one of the most trying seasons of the Arsenal manager’s period at the club – his side came back from all that, and a 2-1 West Brom lead, to win and finish as high as third. Tottenham put them under pressure by defeating Fulham but, just like the title race, both sides must consider a campaign in which they looked to be in a commanding position only to lose it.
In the end, though, City were in the most commanding position of all: first. And champions.
I’m fairly sure city have already found a loophole to circumvent that fair play law. Their sponsors (also owned by their owners) will make up the shortfall and it will be branded sponsorship, so they won’t be in breach.
As a United fan I am gutted, that is an understatement.
But it has to be said, for the neutrals who were looking in on these two matches today, it must have been spectacular to watch. It was an incredible day for football as a whole.
Hardly ‘Fergie time’, surely? The Barton sending off wasted about 3 or 4 minutes and there was four substitutions after the sending off too, 5 minutes added on was correct.
That’s a horrible comment, of course they’ve picked up some tools who are fly by night glory supporters but as a united fan who has lived in Manchester they also have all the loyal fans who stuck by them in the old third division and as much as I wish it hadn’t been at our expense and in that manner, it hurts, I am genuinely happy for them
True mattoid, but I don’t consider them fans just as I don’t consider the embarrassing ‘Man U’ brigade,in force above talking crap, to be fans of my club lol! Have alot of friends in Manchester that I’m delighted got to see their team win a league, it’s just really hard to take loosing it like that, gives me a renewed empathy for Munich supporters!!
I will never forget the year United won the treble. They were 1-0 down to Bayern Munich in the 90th minute. Up stepped Teddy Sheringham and then Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to score the winner against Bayern.
I think that’s entirely subjective Gerard, whilst it is the best way to win a trophy, and by far and away the worst way to loose one as a united fan I think Ole in the Nou Camp in ’99 was the best, Arsenal fans would point to the last day in ’99, scousers to Istanbul in ’05 and blues to today!
I dont support any english football clubs Joseph but I do watch the matches. City haven’t won a title for 44 years so as a neutral viewer I can honestly say that today was a much better victory to watch and as you can see from all your red thumbs, most people share my opinion
Fair enough, that’s your opinion, it was dramatic and I know city fans enjoyed it, I had all the ones I know texting ha, but fair play to them, they deserve it and if it had not been at our expense I would have no issue with them winning it, a new name on the trophy is no bad thing and it’s great they Manchester is now a real top football city with two top teams fighting for honours!! Still I think it’s entirely subjective and each has it’s merits but ultimately you go for the team you feel the most empathy with. Also on my phone there is only 1 red thumb and 3 green ones!!
Most (sensible) Man United fans will say that there was an air of inevitability about City beating QPR today. And had it been 4-0 City it probably wouldn’t have hurt as much. As they say, it’s the hope that kills you and to have a title snatched away in that manner is what hurts the most.
Absolutely amazing end to the season! As a Spurs fan I’m just relieved it’s all over…. except for the small matter of the Champions League final! Come on Bayern Munich!
Unbeaten at home, do the double over united including a 1-6 demolishing in old trafford, lunatics like balotelli & tevez to deal with. Monsters like Kompany & Toure, incredible players like Silva & Aguero & a really decent manager like Mancini. Only a billion spent.
United & Fergie will only come back stronger & with more hunger. Great experience for the younger players, one valuable lesson learned RE: goal difference too. Few to go at old trafford like berbatov, owen, park (even though id say theres probably a few in the queue ahead of him), need a few top players brought in & lets go again. Will united spend big? I doubt it to be honest :(
Just REALLY scratching my head now as what to do until theres real football again.
Special shout out too to Alan Murphy, we’ll do battle again! ;)
yeah and especially fair play to carlos tevez and mario balotelli. and fair play to sheikh mansour. its not often the good guys win. fair play to them all.
'This group of players have won in difficult places' - Munster ready for Bordeaux mission
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Aguero – 38million,
Nasri – 23million,
Tevez – 30million
The look on Ferguson’s face when city score 2 in the last two minutes.. PRICELESS
UEFA’s new fair play regulations will burst Cuty’s bubble!! Big names won’t stay when the cash cow’s dead!!
I’m fairly sure city have already found a loophole to circumvent that fair play law. Their sponsors (also owned by their owners) will make up the shortfall and it will be branded sponsorship, so they won’t be in breach.
As a United fan I am gutted, that is an understatement.
But it has to be said, for the neutrals who were looking in on these two matches today, it must have been spectacular to watch. It was an incredible day for football as a whole.
Well done City.
Kudos. I’m gutted but the lads threw it away.
Liam, there are no neutrals when Man U are involved. We all hate Man U.
Ooooh, harsh Nucky!! And to think I agreed with your comment to The Red Devil above, that today was better! :P
Liam, it’s nice to see a football fan take a loss with grace. Fair play.
An unbelievable day of football.
Also, credit to the journal/score team for their work throughout the season giving us the updates & videos etc.
Definition of irony: City win the league in Fergie time.
Hardly ‘Fergie time’, surely? The Barton sending off wasted about 3 or 4 minutes and there was four substitutions after the sending off too, 5 minutes added on was correct.
Ironic that city also won the league in the most united way possible too.
I don’t know why this is such a big day for City supporters….
They enjoyed a lot of success when they were Chelsea supporters.
Yawn.
That’s a horrible comment, of course they’ve picked up some tools who are fly by night glory supporters but as a united fan who has lived in Manchester they also have all the loyal fans who stuck by them in the old third division and as much as I wish it hadn’t been at our expense and in that manner, it hurts, I am genuinely happy for them
I don’t think he’s referring to the ones that go to matches ;-)
True mattoid, but I don’t consider them fans just as I don’t consider the embarrassing ‘Man U’ brigade,in force above talking crap, to be fans of my club lol! Have alot of friends in Manchester that I’m delighted got to see their team win a league, it’s just really hard to take loosing it like that, gives me a renewed empathy for Munich supporters!!
I will never forget the year United won the treble. They were 1-0 down to Bayern Munich in the 90th minute. Up stepped Teddy Sheringham and then Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to score the winner against Bayern.
Today was much better.
Embarrassing comment!
And they call city fans bitter! United are the most worthy of adversaries. Absolutely relentless till the end but today belongs to City fans. Ha!
What part of Manchester are you from Red Devil?
What a dumb remark, today was ten times better
I will never forget today! first of many
I think that’s entirely subjective Gerard, whilst it is the best way to win a trophy, and by far and away the worst way to loose one as a united fan I think Ole in the Nou Camp in ’99 was the best, Arsenal fans would point to the last day in ’99, scousers to Istanbul in ’05 and blues to today!
Typing fail, that should say ’89 for arsenal fans, unless they are a particularly masochistic individual!!
I dont support any english football clubs Joseph but I do watch the matches. City haven’t won a title for 44 years so as a neutral viewer I can honestly say that today was a much better victory to watch and as you can see from all your red thumbs, most people share my opinion
what a comment, typical utd fan.
Fair enough, that’s your opinion, it was dramatic and I know city fans enjoyed it, I had all the ones I know texting ha, but fair play to them, they deserve it and if it had not been at our expense I would have no issue with them winning it, a new name on the trophy is no bad thing and it’s great they Manchester is now a real top football city with two top teams fighting for honours!! Still I think it’s entirely subjective and each has it’s merits but ultimately you go for the team you feel the most empathy with. Also on my phone there is only 1 red thumb and 3 green ones!!
The Red Devil. Once upon a time, there were three bears……..
“What a dumb remark, today was ten times better” is that a FACT Gerard?
Most (sensible) Man United fans will say that there was an air of inevitability about City beating QPR today. And had it been 4-0 City it probably wouldn’t have hurt as much. As they say, it’s the hope that kills you and to have a title snatched away in that manner is what hurts the most.
But still, well done to City.
There was, even after our game finished I still couldn’t believe it would happen until it was over at eastlands and sadly I was right!
Absolutely amazing end to the season! As a Spurs fan I’m just relieved it’s all over…. except for the small matter of the Champions League final! Come on Bayern Munich!
Missed the last few minutes and couldn’t believe it when I heard they won. Great lesson there, “it ain’t over until it’s over”
You poor sod!
I’d hate to have missed that
Unbeaten at home, do the double over united including a 1-6 demolishing in old trafford, lunatics like balotelli & tevez to deal with. Monsters like Kompany & Toure, incredible players like Silva & Aguero & a really decent manager like Mancini. Only a billion spent.
United & Fergie will only come back stronger & with more hunger. Great experience for the younger players, one valuable lesson learned RE: goal difference too. Few to go at old trafford like berbatov, owen, park (even though id say theres probably a few in the queue ahead of him), need a few top players brought in & lets go again. Will united spend big? I doubt it to be honest :(
Just REALLY scratching my head now as what to do until theres real football again.
Special shout out too to Alan Murphy, we’ll do battle again! ;)
There is some tournament on in Poland as far as I know.
Real football on ever week this summer in a LOI ground near you. Real fans go to games :)
Real football I said Nucky.
LOI = LOL
As a United fan I’m sick, but was a cracking end to a very random season! As for the summer, there’s the euros and Olympic soccer, grand job!
gum chewing fergi complains about 5 mins injury time at city he’s havin a laugh.
Lol Best comment of de day! It’s so funny cos it’s true!!!! Fergie time… I love it!
Congrats City, now come on Bayern!!
So you bought the title is what your saying fair play to you Nucky
Sniff Sniff, is it just me or is there a serious smell of sour grapes in here tonight?
Nucky
You support Liverpool ahahahahahaha.
Sorry John, not a liverpool fan. I support a quality team from a lower division but enjoyed the premiership this season.
Well said martin grehan!
Well done city ….. But will you just be another Blackburn in disguise !!!!! Well shall see….
To be fair city were a bigger club than Blackburn when they were in division 3!!
When you’ve 19 Nucky or more we talk about sour grapes , until then your along way off the Utd dynasty
Phfewww, those sour grapes are getting stronger in here.
when city dropped to the old 3rd division they still sold out every game at main rd.
on that fact alone I think their supporters deserved it… big time…
fair play to them…
yeah and especially fair play to carlos tevez and mario balotelli. and fair play to sheikh mansour. its not often the good guys win. fair play to them all.