I use the term rivals, but until recently these two clubs have been orbiting different galaxies with United in the Milky Way and City far off in some distant, unheralded galaxy. United has won 14 of the 20 Premier League titles in England's first division since 1992 when that league was created. City, on the other hand, had not won a league title in 44 years.
Today, none of that history mattered as both club were resolutely playing for the moment. All City had to do was win, and the title was theirs. They faced the fourth worst team in the league Queens Park Rangers (QPR). That might sound like an easy win for City and no contest, but in English football the three worst teams are relegated, or banished, to a lesser league. Relegation means far fewer TV revenues and much less prestige. Therefore, QPR came looking to fight, and fight they did.
City, like United, took an early lead in their match. However, unlike United, City gave away a goal. This meant that they had to score one more or they would lose the match and the Premier League title on this last day of the season. City were handed a gift, albeit a just gift, when the QPR midfielder Joey Barton was dismissed with a red card for elbowing a City player in the face. It was crass and deliberate. However, despite being down to 10 men, QPR continued to fight, and they scored another goal to take a lead 2-1.
This is where things stood at the end of 90 minutes of regulation. In football, unlike other sports, there is added time to account for stoppages or delays during the match. Five extra minutes were added to this match- the majority of which were due to that elbow incident. By this time, United had won their game and had every reason to believe that City would lose and that they, United, would retain the title.
Yet, sometimes in sport, like in life, the unexpected and the impossible happens. Today was one of those days.
In the 92nd minute, City dramatically equalized the score on a header to give themselves a lifeline. At about that time, QPR heard word that the third worst team, Bolton, had lost and that Bolton and not they would be relegated. The QPR players on the sideline began to celebrate, but City remained resolute and showed no sign of wavering.
Belief plus talent is a dangerous combination. Would it be be enough? Would their be enough time?
Within seconds, the Argentinian forward Sergio "Kun" Aguero scored again to give City the lead. The entire stadium and every "noisy neighbor" as the United coach Sir Alex Ferguson previously dubbed the City faithful erupted in joy. You can witness this moment for yourself below.
While neither United nor City are my team, City are my favorite squad in the Premier League due to their attacking and aggressive style of play. I was overjoyed and overwhelmed by their victory and by how they won it. I brought down Nicholas to watch the replays, and we discussed the match much of the day. What a moment!
He and I will surely remember this day, this win, and this season in the Premier League. Nicholas will discuss this League for his independent project at school sometime in the next few weeks, and he will have a lot to share about what many are calling the greatest season in the history of the greatest football league in the world.
To City and to believers everywhere, let's all raise a glass. As the great Martin Tyler said in the commentary above. Drink it in, City!
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