The 2010s: Champions League Qualification

Manchester City qualified for the Champions League for the first time when they defeated Tottenham 1-0 via an own goal from Peter Crouch on this day (10 May) in 2011. Crouch had deflected a James Milner cross past his own ‘keeper. This had been a rather tense game against a Spurs team desperate to get into a European place. They ended the day sixth, behind fifth place Liverpool. City were fourth, two points behind third placed Arsenal and seven ahead of fifth placed Liverpool with only two games remaining.The target remained third place, as this avoided a Champions League play off, and success in the FA Cup final. Finishing in the top four for the first time since the 1970s was an achievement in its own right, but winning the FA Cup would end 35 years without success at the highest levels of the game. The final was against Stoke at Wembley on 14 May.

Stoke v Manchester City 15 Years Ago

On this day (27 November) in 2010 City played out a dour draw at Stoke in the Premier League. If you fancy reading about it (and I’ve not really sold it with that description!) then see below:

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Aguero Hat-trick

When Manchester City defeated QPR 6-0 on this day (10 May) in 2015 Sergio Aguero netted a hat-trick for the Blues. His first came after three minutes when he went on a mazy run before clipping the ball over the onrushing Rob Green to give Manuel Pellegrini’s side a perfect start.

Aleksandr Kolarov netted City’s second (a free kick from 30 yards) in the 31st minute and the Blues made it 3-0 when Aguero scored in the 49th minute.

Aguero’s third came from a penalty after David Silva had been pulled down in the 64th minute. James Milner made it 5-0 five minutes later before Silva completed the scoring in the 86th minute. when he ran on to a wonderful back heel from Bony, before rounding goalkeeper Green.

City lineup: Hart (c), Zabaleta, Demichelis, Mangala, Kolarov, Fernando, Fernandinho (Toure 73), Lampard (Bony 62), Milner (Navas 81), Silva, Aguero
Unused: Caballero, Sagna, Clichy, Dzeko

Attendance 44,564 (building work as part of the extension of the South Stand had reduced the capacity).