Premier League Title (2011-12)
The only Premier League title decided on goal difference.
The 2011–12 Premier League title was won by Manchester City, their first Premier League success and first league title since 1968. City finished level on 89 points with Manchester United but won on goal difference, the first and to date only time the Premier League has been decided by that metric.
Quick Facts
- Manager
- Roberto Mancini
- Captain
- Vincent Kompany
- Top scorer
- Sergio Agüero (23 goals)
- Final day result
- 3-2 vs Queens Park Rangers
- Points total
- 89
- Goal difference
- +64
Lore & Background
Manchester City sealed the title on the final day with a dramatic 3–2 victory over Queens Park Rangers. Edin Džeko equalized in the 92nd minute, and Sergio Agüero scored the winner in the 94th minute. The 6–1 win over Manchester United earlier in the season proved crucial, as a 2–1 scoreline would have forced a play-off due to identical records.
Reader's Guide
The season began on 13 August 2011 and ended on 13 May 2012. Twenty teams competed, including promoted sides Queens Park Rangers, Norwich City, and Swansea City. All three promoted clubs avoided relegation for the first time since 2001–02. The season was voted the greatest in Premier League history in the Premier League 20 Seasons Awards.
Did You Know?
- Manchester City's 6–1 away win at Old Trafford was a shock result that helped them win the title on goal difference.
- Joey Barton was sent off in the final match for elbowing Carlos Tevez, then kicked Sergio Agüero, attempted to headbutt Vincent Kompany, and squared up to Mario Balotelli.
- Swansea City became the first non-English team to play in the Premier League.
- Liverpool's Luis Suárez was given an eight-match ban for racially abusing Manchester United's Patrice Evra.
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