Almost ten years since Manchester City's first visit to the new Wembley, the Blues will ensure more appearances there than Manchester United if they defeat Chelsea.
Back in 2011, Yaya Toure scored the game-winning goal in the FA Cup semi-final against City's main rivals, transforming the power balance in Manchester football.
DON'T MISS:
The pivot was reinforced a year later, when Roberto Mancini led his team to their first Premier League title in spectacular fashion, beating United on goal difference in the final minutes of the season thanks to two late goals against QPR.
Although United regained the title in 2013, it will be the last time they finished above City in the league, as although the Reds have struggled since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement, the 'noisy neighbors' have gone from strength to strength, especially after Pep Guardiola took over at the Etihad.
Manchester football's trends have shifted over the past decade, as shown by the fixtures played at the city's stadium.
Since that first visit in 2011, the Blues have made a total of 16 appearances at Wembley (not counting trips in the league when Tottenham was using it as a home ground).
The FA Cup semi-final on Saturday will be number 17, the Carabao Cup final next week will be number 18, and if City defeats Chelsea, they will make their 19th appearance at the stadium for the FA Cup final in May.
DON'T MISS:
United were knocked out of the FA Cup quarter-finals by Leicester, leaving them with 18 appearances since Wembley reopened in 2007 and just eight games in the post-Ferguson period.
Guardiola will have played 10 games there by the end of the month, and a win over Chelsea - who will make their 24th appearance there on Saturday, more than any other player - will give him an 11th by the end of his fifth year at City.
With City on the verge of winning the Premier League, an appearance in the capital in next season's Community Shield is almost assured, but beating Chelsea this weekend and ensuring more Wembley games than their main rivals will be particularly symbolic given the anniversary of the 2011 semi-final.
No comments:
Post a Comment