10 Elano free-kick
There were few players in the Premier League who would take on a free-kick perhaps 35 yards from goal, but Elano fancied his chances when the Blues won a free-kick against Newcastle. In the bright Manchester sunshine, City’s most influential Brazilian signing calmly stepped up before firing an arrowed shot into the top left-hand corner of the net to send the Etihad Stadium wild.
09 Aguero wonder goal
With City trailing 2-1 to Liverpool and time running out, Sergio Aguero sensed hesitancy in the visitors’ defence as a long ball was punted towards the right of the Reds’ penalty area. Aguero managed to nip past the defender before swivelling from a seemingly impossible angle to loft a shot into the net past a stranded Pepe Reina and earn City a 2-2 draw.
08 Ronaldo red card(s)
Cristiano Ronaldo was never less than a threat whenever City played United and he was among the Reds’ number. But he twice saw red during Etihad Manchester derbies and each occasion has combined to make this an unusual top ten entrant! Ronaldo’s first red was in 2006 for a wayward challenge on Andy Cole and two years later he picked up two yellows in a derby that confirmed United’s title. City won the first game 3-1, United won the 2008 clash 1-0.
07 Real Madrid
A sign of the Blues’ rapid progress in recent seasons has been the involvement in the Champions League. Few will forget the UCL theme prior to our first game against Napoli, but the visit of Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid in 2012 was a night to savour for many City fans.
06 Poznan is born
The visit of Lech Poznan launched the now famous terrace backs-to-the pitch dance known, of course, as the Poznan. City fans watched their Polish counterparts’ with fascination during a Europa League tie in 2010 and soon adopted it on match-days . These days, it’s associated with City more than the club it’s named after!
05 Tevez taunts
Carlos Tevez had a minor spat with United sub Gary Neville after scoring from the penalty spot in 2010/11 Carling Cup semi-final, first leg, suggesting the Reds’ defender had too much to say for himself. When Tevez scored a second after the break to put the Blues 2-1 up, he ran to the halfway line in front of the United bench and cupped his ears as if to ask, what was that again? Clearly, a moment enjoyed by Blues’ fans everywhere.
04 Adebayor celebration
Another controversial moment. After being barracked by the visiting Arsenal fans throughout his first game against his former club since moving to City, when Emmanuel Adebayor connected with Shaun Wright-Phillips’ cross to head City into a 3-1 lead, the Togo striker became immersed in the moment and sprinted the length of the pitch to slide on his knees in front of the travelling fans. His actions were widely condemned by all parties, but it remains a memorable moment for those who witnessed it.
03 Kompany header
When City met United in 2012 for what was effectively the title decider, the Reds met a Blues team determined to grasp the moment. Led by inspirational skipper Vincent Kompany, it was fitting that his thumping header settled the game and finally put City in the driving seat with just two games to go. The rest is history…
02 The Wright stuff
City terrace idol Shaun Wright-Phillips capped the first Etihad Manchester derby with a brilliant solo goal. Collecting the ball down the right flank, the City winger cut inside before jinking to the right again and hitting an unstoppable shot in off the underside of the bar to send the home fans wild and cap a fantastic 4-1 win.
01 Aguerrrroooooo!!
There was only ever going to be one winner in the category! Plenty of people noted the part Mario Balotelli played in the goal that won City the title against QPR, but it was Sergio’s vision, determination and skill that started and finished the move that clinched the Premier League title for the first time and confirmed the Blues as champions in the most dramatic style imaginable.
