Two days ago, much to the relief and surprise of their supporters, Manchester City clinched the Premier League title in a straightforward manner.
All that was required of them was that they avoid defeat against West Ham United, which they did thanks to a 2-0 victory, but such has been the inconsistent nature of their results down the years (even since Sheikh Mansour took ownership), there were some fans that had anticipated a nervy afternoon against the East Londoners.
While their fingernails were spared on this occasion, the same cannot be said for what occurred two years ago today. Having overturned an eight-point deficit on neighbours Manchester United with five matches to go, all that stood in City's way of a first league title since 1968 were struggling Queens Park Rangers, themselves fighting against relegation, at the Etihad Stadium. City and United went into the final day's action on the same points, but the former had the greater goal difference.
At first, it all went to plan from a City point of view. News that Wayne Rooney had put United 1-0 up at Sunderland was soon forgotten when City full-back Pablo Zabaleta broke the deadlock in the 39th minute.
© Getty Images
Yet, just three minutes after the restart, the drama started to unfold. Djibril Cisse capitalised on an error from Joleon Lescott to draw QPR level, before the visitors were reduced to 10 men when Joey Barton was handed his marching orders following a clash with Carlos Tevez.
The numerical disadvantage didn't deter the R's, though, and with 66 minutes played Jamie Mackie stooped to put them 2-1. United, still leading at the Stadium of Light, were now three points clear at the summit with just 24 minutes left to play.
Roberto Mancini's City took up permanent residence inside the QPR half, but for all their domination and possession, they were struggling to really work Paddy Kenny in the visiting goal - that was until the match entered stoppage time.
With 92 minutes played, substitute Edin Dzeko headed City level, but with barely any time left and United having won against Sunderland, the hosts looked to have fallen short at the final hurdle.
© Getty Images
However, there was still enough time remaining for one final City attack. Sergio Aguero inherited the ball 30 yards from goal and having assessed his options, rolled it in to Mario Balotelli. The striker held off his marker, before squaring for an advancing Aguero. The Argentine jinked beyond a sliding challenge, which freed up just enough space for him to fire his shot inside Kenny's near post, sparking pandemonium on the pitch and in the stands.
As soon as QPR restarted, the whistle was sounded for full time, resulting in more wild scenes of celebration. After 42 years of waiting, City had won the title in the most dramatic fashion, while QPR had also survived.
Speaking after the match, triumphant boss Mancini said: "We have beaten United two times, we have scored more than them and conceded less so we deserve it. I never gave up. It was a crazy finish to the game and the season but the best team won the title."
MAN CITY: Hart; Zabaleta, Kompany, Lescott, Clichy; Barry (Dzeko), Toure (De Jong), Nasri, Silva, Nasri; Tevez (Balotelli), Aguero
QPR: Kenny; Taiwo, Hill, Ferdinand, Onuoha; Wright-Phillips, Derry, Barton, Mackie; Cisse (Traore), Zamora (Bothroyd)
Liam Apicella
