Barton sent off as City hang on

No-one would have believed, in the midst of the 2011-12 Premiership campaign, that Manchester United’s eight-point lead could be overturned in the final weeks of the season.

No-one could have dreamed that two late goals could secure the title for Manchester City, as United have managed so many times before.

Few fans even considered the possibility of a Premier League title decided on goal difference alone and yet, as final whistles blew at grounds up and down the country, supporters slowly and surely heard the news that the Blues had topped the league.

On the streets of Manchester, the full-time mood was surprisingly celebratory from both sets of supporters, as many of United’s fans were simply happy that Liverpool hadn’t won.

However, the weeks to come will no doubt be a time for reflection on how the league was lost by the Reds, rather than won by the Blues.

With full time approaching, United had done all they could to secure victory, and were winning away at Sunderland while City were 2-1 down at home to QPR.

And that’s when it all changed – with QPR down to ten men due to a Joey Barton red card, City took their destinies into their own hands and fired in two late goals to secure their first league title in 44 years.

Dzeko and Aguero are the names that will live in legend at the Etihad Stadium, which was rightfully rocked by injury-time celebrations from the fans who were lucky enough to witness the win first-hand.

At Sunderland, it was Rooney who did what he could for United, but a win on the day will have come as cold comfort for the 12-time Premiership champions.

QPR escape relegation despite the loss, with Bolton Wanderers, Blackburn and Wolves demoted to being Championship teams for next season.

Meanwhile, Arsenal were also celebrating after overturning a 2-1 deficit to win 3-2 against West Brom – goals from Yossi Benayoun, Andre Santos and Laurent Koscielny secured third place in the league and a UEFA Champions League slot next season for the Gunners.