Like Tevez, like Sanchez? 2011/2012 EPL season about to repeat itself in reverse?

Sanchez

Now that Alexis Sanchez has officially dumped Arsenal for Manchester United, memories of the 2011/2012 English Premier League season, one that was United’s to lose and which they did to their bitter crosstown rivals, Manchester City, at the very last minute of the season, come back to mind.

That season is one that will never be forgotten by both clubs in their battle for superiority. City’s eventual snatching of the league that season from United’s grasp, as well as their 2011 FA Cup semi-final win over same United, the dominant force in English football then, gave them the confidence to truly aspire for more.

Tevez

While City infamously won United 6-1 that season in the first leg derby which came to be dubbed Six And The City, United surged past them to top the league for a long time because City’s lead player, Carlos Tevez, was at odds with them so wasn’t playing.

Then he returned and they had a change in fortunes and eventually won the league, on goals difference only, after forty-four years of heartache.

Fast-forward to this 2017/2018 season and the same scenario is almost playing out but in reverse.

The season began with United at the helm, then City took over and they were neck-to-neck for some time till City now has a commanding lead both in points and goals difference after United stumbled due to injury to its lead player, Paul Pogba.

Now, United have brought in Sanchez who is also coveted by City, so do not be surprised if Sanchez, like Tevez, becomes the catalyst that will lead his side to come from behind to eventually win the league against all odds.

Another similarity of the two seasons is that City coach, Roberto Mancini, got the better of United coach, Sir Alex Ferguson, by publicly conceding it to United. Alas, he won it. This season too has already been conceded to City by United coach, Jose Mourinho, that great mind games expert, but City coach, Pep Guardiola, isn’t having any of such talk and has publicly reminded his players that they must remain focused as other sides have blown the sort of lead they have presently, twelve points.

The last time a player, Robin van Persie, moved to United from Arsenal in 2012, United won the league immediately, and Jose Mourinho also has a record of winning the league in his second season.

It’s all wishful thinking and fantasy for now, but in the world of football, almost nothing is impossible, especially great comebacks like Liverpool versus AC Milan in the historic 2005 UEFA Champions League final where Liverpool came from three goals down to equalize and eventually win on penalties.

Also, in the area of transfers, players have moved between bitter clubs that people didn’t see coming. van Persie to United from Arsenal for instance.

So the league isn’t won yet for City and if United do win it, it’ll be just revenge for their unexpected loss six years ago, and it’ll also be a poignant victory as they last won it five years ago.

And now, let the battle finally begin.