... And those big moments that did trick

OCTOBER 23: Manchester United 1 Manchester City 6

The eagerly-anticipated meeting of the two early-season title rivals did not disappoint, with City running riot to inflict United’s heaviest home defeat since February 1955 and leave Alex Ferguson reflecting on his “worst ever” day in football.

Mario Balotelli fired City ahead and when Jonny Evans was sent off for United, the visitors ruthlessly exploited their one-man advantage, with Balotelli adding a second before Sergio Aguero, Edin Dzeko (two) and David Silva completed the carnage. March 21: Man City 2 Chelsea 1

Carlos Tevez had not played for City since his spectacular falling-out with Roberto Mancini during the Champions League loss at Bayern Munich, which left the Argentinian’s career in limbo.

But the South American striker rose from the bench to help inspire a stirring City fightback after Chelsea had taken the lead through Gary Cahill.

City replied through (penalty) and Samir Nasri. April 30: Manchester United 0

City had been presented with the opportunity to haul themselves back into the title race after United’s shock 4-4 draw with Everton a week earlier and Mancini’s side took full advantage.

An attritional battle was settled on the stroke of half-time when captain Vincent Kompany rose high to nod home a Silva corner.

Tensions boiled over in the second half as Mancini and Ferguson squared up to each other on the touchline but City hung on for a win that put them ahead of United on goal difference. May 6: Newcastle City 2

With City having put the destiny of the title back in their hands by beating Manchester United earlier in the week, a sizeable contingent of their supporters were quietly dreading the thought that the club may then give up those gains in a difficult away game at in-form Newcastle.

But despite being frustrated for long periods, City held their nerve to claim a clinical victory with two goals from midfielder Yaya Toure taking them to within 90 minutes of the title. May 13: Manchester City 3 QPR 2

With just four minutes of second half stoppage time remaining, City seemed to have squandered the title in agonising fashion.

Yet City showed the courage of champions to keep going and Dzeko headed the equaliser two minutes into stoppage time before Argentine striker Aguero fired home with virtually the last kick of the game to seal the title on goal difference from Manchester United. — SAPA-AFP

City

Aguero

1 Manchester

United

0

Manchester