Premier League Miracle: The Rise Of Manchester City

Having lifted the treble last season, Manchester City is again in the fight for the English Premier League title with ten games left to the end of the 2023/24 season.

The English Premier League never fails to deliver on the drama, and today, we go back to one of the most memorable moments of all time. Let’s talk about the 2011/12 battle for the Premier League crown between the two teams in Manchester and how it changed everything for the Citizens.

Manchester City’s Rise

Founded in 1880, Manchester City had been struggling in mediocrity for years and even got relegated a few times. Reduced to the tag of “noisy neighbors,” they were considered a feisty team that stepped up in derby matches but could not achieve anything beyond that.

Sheikh Mansour bought Manchester City from Thai businessman Thaksin Shinawatra and put it on track to make football history. With the pending 115 charges of Financial Fair Play violations, the story of the City’s transformation might change over time, but for now, it is innocent until proven guilty.

Sheikh Mansour embarked on a shopping spree with an unrivalled transfer war chest, bringing in future legends like Pablo Zabaleta, Vincent Kompany, and Carlos Tevez. He then enlisted decorated Italian manager Roberto Mancini to take the reins.   

Several additions later, Man City were able to challenge for trophies and lifted the 2010/11 FA Cup trophy, their first since 1976. It was a signal that City had arrived and was ready to challenge for the trophy.

The Title Showdown in 2011/12

Having tasted victory, Manchester City were hungry for more, and reinforcements before the start of the season helped ensure they were up to the task. Samir Nasri and Sergio Agüero were the marquee signings that summer to bolster their attack.

It was a battle set in Manchester as Manchester United and Manchester City duked it out until the last second of the season. 

Remember, back then, it was all about Manchester United. Sir Alex Ferguson’s team was the team to beat. City rolled into the season strong, but this was still a David and Goliath situation. They were neck and neck all season long, right up to the final matchday.

The Miracle of the 95th Minute

“We’re only 90 minutes away from making history. If we succeed, it will probably be the start of a new era for this club.”—Pablo Zabaleta, Manchester City legend.

Manchester United and Manchester City were tied at 86 points heading into the season’s final match. City had the goal difference advantage, but that would only count if they won their match. Zabaleta understood what was at stake.

Manchester United had a solitary goal lead while City was battling a QPR team struggling to avoid relegation. QPR scored twice, and the smell of victory was palpable among United fans, who felt confident they would pip City to the trophy.

But the Premier League didn’t fail to live up to its hype of delivering Hollywood-type plot twists. With nothing to lose and everything to gain in the 92nd minute, City pressed high and won a corner that Edin Džeko headed to make 2-2.

In the 95th minute, Sergio Agüero engraved his name among City’s legends by slotting it home to deliver the victory. He dashed the hopes of all United fans as City lifted the trophy. Aguero popped up, received a pass from Mario Balotelli at the edge of the box, and released a thunderous shot into the net. The fans went wild and invaded the pitch as commentators, most notably Martin Tyler, shouted his name as the scenes ensued.

The Hall of Famers: Where Are They Now?

Since that first PL title, City have dominated and garnered more trophies than they did in the previous hundred years. The club’s evolution under Pep Guardiola has even delivered the coveted UEFA Champions League trophy. None of the 2011/12 season heroes remain, so let’s look at where they are now.

• Mancini (the manager): Left the club in 2013 and moved around for a bit before settling for the Italian national team hot seat. He delivered Euro 2020 and two bronze medals in the UEFA Nations League.
• Kompany: A true City legend, Kompany left in 2015 after lifting 12 trophies at the club. He now manages Burnley, whom he steered to promotion to the Premier League.
• Silva: Having spent ten years at City and winning 11 trophies, Silva left in 2020 to play for Real Sociedad. He recently retired from football.
• Agüero: After scoring 257 goals for the club and winning 15 trophies, Kun’s name is firmly written in City’s history. He then joined Barcelona and later retired due to heart issues.

City’s changed a lot since then, but that crazy 2011/2012 season? That’s where the legend began.