In terms of all human history several days mark very key events in the development of our race: The day the wheel was invented, the day they paced the capstone on the Great Pyramid, the day Jesus was born, the Battle of Hastings, the start of the two world wars and the day the Berlin Wall fell done. but in the minds of English football fans few days will stick in the memory more (except of course for the 1966 World Cup Final and England 5-1 Germany) than the 28th of August 2011 when the whole country sat up and took notice of Manchester as not just one, but two clubs. The air was thick with anticipation as the two title favourites faced their faced big test of the 2011/2012 season. Man City vs Tottenham and Man U vs Arsenal. And both rose to the challenge superbly. it started at White Heart Lane, with talk of Modric leaving and there 3-0 loss to Man U the week before left an air of despair around the ground, and that feeling would only thicken. Samir Nasri did brilliantly on his debut for Man City. Edin Dzeko produced a solo display that is probably one of the best you'll ever see. He scored 4 goals, his positioning, passing and predatory instincts where perfect as they ran out 5-1, Kaboul's header providing a tiny consilation. The first goal was a beautifully worked goal, finished by Dzeko flying boot, the second was possibly the greatest header of Premier league history, he somehow manged to head back across the keeper from a near impossible position. He just had to guide in the third, a great solo effort from Aguero before Dzeko curled in a magnificant forth to claim the match ball, that goal also won MOTD's Goal of the month for August.
Roberto Mancini was still annoyed that they conceded 1 goal but it was still team display worthy of Barcelona. It really was a landmark day in the history of Man City Football Club and really announced there intentions about winning titles. Man City went on to have the longest unbeaten streak in the Premier League before Chelsea broke there run. But they are still a great team and next season they will be even better.
But now five months on things are looking very different as both side prepare to squad up again on the same day in the reverse fixture, North London is out for revenge:
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It seemed that anything that City could do Man U could do better. Facing an extremely weakened Arsenal missing Nasri and Fabregas as well as sporting several youth teamers making their debuts. They were destroyed, they played so badly that, well you know the American Samoa reference. It ended Man U 8-2 Arsenal. It seemed every time they went for goal they scored and they scored some beauties. Welbecks header, Young's curler, Rooney's free-kick, Rooney's second free-kick, Nani's chip, Park's placed, Rooney's penalty and Young second curler inflicted a huge defeat upon the Gunners. They were about 20 levels below bad and man U weren't even playing there best, they've certainly produced better performances this season.
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Man City
Out of Europe, out of FA Cup and on a bad run of form, lost valuable points in the last few games, notlooking as good as they did in the 5-1 win but still a very good team and will be one of the favourites for the Europa League. If they can make some good signings in the transfer window to help with the two month absence of Kolo and Yaya Toure among some to the CAF African Cup of Nations they should be fine, still on course for title.
Man Utd
Out of Europe, even more embarrassing seeing as they had an easy group. Had a run of bad losses including the 3-0 loss at home to newcastle and of course the 6-1 loss to Man City, still playing well but Rooney isn't. Like Man City still one of the main title contenders.
Tottenham Hotspur
Despite there poor start to the season Spurs are now playing really well and have caught up with the Manchester clubs playing really good football. Almost guaranteed a Champions League spot, they should get a good result at the Etihad, a draw at the minimum.
Arsenal
Despite there abysmal start to the campaign the gunners have picked up really well (though mainly down to Van Persie with a strike rate so good that Ronaldo Messi and Cekulajevs would be proud of) though they have gone further in the Champions League and may be able to push for a spot in Europe's elite next year
(though the Europa League looks more likely)
Tomorrows games look to be interesting contests with the teams not as one sided as they were five months ago, they should be packed with goals (though not as many for one side) great football and great memories though will it be fore the Londoners or the Mancunians?
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