Will City slip up again at the Emirates?
It’s Easter Sunday 2012 – As families across the country sit down to relax after a traditional roast dinner, Mikel Arteta’s 87th minute strike condemns Manchester City to a 1-0 defeat at the Emirates Stadium.
A result that left Roberto Mancini’s men eight points adrift of leaders Manchester United, City fans were in no mood for celebrating and the club’s misery was compounded when Mario Balotelli was sent off as his team desperately chased the game, with the Italian striker condemned by his compatriot manager. Despite being given his second yellow card of the match, Balotelli could easily have been given a straight red for his first challenge on Alex Song, which was a potential leg-breaker.
City’s title chances were written-off at this point, and it wasn’t until the most dramatic final day a Premier League season has ever seen that they could proudly stand tall above their neighbours. Arsenal meanwhile, who at times had looked like they might miss out on a Champions League place for the first time in 15 years, used the three points to push on and steal third place from under the noses of North London rivals Tottenham. As a result of Chelsea winning the European Cup in Munich, this ended up being the lowest league position granting entry to the competition, with Spurs disappointed to find themselves in the Europa League.
The Gunners got the better of Roberto Mancini’s side that day, and Arsene Wenger will be hoping they can do the same again.
A match that is long forgotten given City’s incredible comeback in the title race, can the reigning Premier League champions get a result this time around?
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