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Manchester City logo
Premier League
May 13, 2012 at 3pm UK
 
QPR logo

3-2

Zabaleta (39'), Aguero (90'), Dzeko (90')
FT(HT: 1-0)
Mackie (66'), Cisse (48')
Barton (55')

On this day: Sergio Aguero wins Manchester City title in dramatic fashion

Two years ago today, Sergio Aguero scores deep into stoppage time to secure Manchester City's first league title in 44 years.

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.

Pablo Zabaleta celebrates scoring for Manchester City against Queens Park Rangers on May 13, 2012.© 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.

Manchester City players celebrate Sergio Aguero's late title-clinching goal against Queens Park Rangers on May 13, 2012.© 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)

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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool1210112481631
2Manchester CityMan City127232217523
3Chelsea126422314922
4Arsenal126422112922
5Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton126422116522
6Tottenham HotspurSpurs1261527131419
7Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest125431513219
8Aston Villa125431919019
9Newcastle UnitedNewcastle115331311218
10Fulham125341717018
11Brentford125252222017
12Manchester UnitedMan Utd124441313016
13Bournemouth124351617-115
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham113351319-612
15Everton122551017-711
16Leicester CityLeicester122461523-810
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves122372028-89
18Ipswich TownIpswich121651323-109
19Crystal Palace121561017-78
20Southampton121110924-154


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