A lot can change in 13 years. Just ask Manchester City fans.
Many of them might not remember the events immediately before Sheikh Mansour’s takeover in the summer of 2008, given they started supporting the club post-glory.
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So for those who don’t know: this club, just crowned one of the most dominant champions in Premier League history (again), once lost 8-1 to Middlesbrough. And it wasn’t even that long ago.
City have won their fifth top-flight title since 2008 as Manchester United lost to Leicester tonight, but any other result would’ve only delayed the inevitable.
It’s been City’s for quite some time now, but there is something poignant about it happening on May 11 – the 13th anniversary of the worst defeat in the club’s history.
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In what was a battle of England managers past and future, Gareth Southgate’s Middlesbrough embarrassed Sven-Goran Eriksson’s City in a result that hardly seems possible today.
A hat-trick from Afonso Alves, a brace from Stewart Downing, plus goals from Adam Johnson, Fabio Rochemback and Jeremie Aliadiere made Elano’s strike for City the definition of a consolation.
It all started when Richard Dunne got himself sent off on 15 minutes – opening floodgates which are difficult to imagine now that Ruben Dias occupies the centre of defence for City.
In most respects, things couldn’t be more different now. Here’s a look at the team that started that day, and the trophies City have won since their future was transformed that summer…
Man City trophies since they lost 8-1 to Middlesbrough
Premier League: 2011/12, 2013/14, 2017/18, 2018/19, 2020/21
FA Cup: 2010/11, 2018/19
EFL Cup: 2013/14, 2015/16, 2017/18, 2018/19, 2019/20, 2020/21
They have added another Premier League title to that list and could also win their first ever Champions League later this month when they meet Chelsea in the final.
But this goes for the Blues as well: in light of everything that has happened with the European Super League in recent weeks, never forget where you came from.
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