When Manchester City Got Their Revenge Over Manchester United in the Community Shield

When Manchester City Got Their Revenge Over Manchester United in the Community Shield

The 2012 FA Community Shield match between Manchester City and Manchester United is remembered as one of the most thrilling encounters in recent history, with City getting a perfect opportunity to avenge their 2011-12 Premier League title heartbreak.

With Manchester United coming off their 19th league title win and Manchester City still riding high on their FA Cup triumph, this game wasn’t just a battle for the Community Shield; it was also about bragging rights in Manchester. After United pipped City to the Premier League title by just four points the previous season, this match had added significance.

Here’s how the 3-2 victory for Manchester City unfolded and how they got their revenge on their fierce rivals.

Pre-Match: The Stage is Set

The stage for the 2012 Community Shield was set at Wembley Stadium, and the air was thick with anticipation. Both teams had a point to prove:

• Manchester United wanted to continue their dominance in English football.
• Manchester City, after ending a 35-year trophy drought with the 2011 FA Cup, were now hungry for more and determined to prove that their title challenge wasn’t just a flash in the pan.

The match was billed as the first major showdown between the two Manchester clubs since City had started to close the gap and challenge United’s supremacy. As fans filled Wembley, they were eager to see which side would have the last laugh in this early-season clash.

First Half: A Fast-Paced Start

The game started at a blistering pace. Manchester United, under Sir Alex Ferguson, came out attacking, as expected, with their experienced lineup featuring the likes of Wayne Rooney, Ryan Giggs, and Nani. The Red Devils’ early pressure was rewarded in the 20th minute when Nani whipped in a fantastic cross, and Javier Hernández was there to pounce on a defensive mistake and score with a powerful header.

The United fans in the crowd were elated, and it seemed like City might be in for a long afternoon. Manchester United’s dominance was evident in the opening exchanges, with City struggling to assert themselves early on.

However, Manchester City, managed by Roberto Mancini, weren’t going to back down. Their resilience was quickly displayed as they began to fight their way back into the match.

Equalizer: City Strike Back

Just before the half-time break, Manchester City found their rhythm. A pinpoint free-kick from David Silva found Joleon Lescott, who rose above the United defenders and headed the ball past David de Gea to make it 1-1 in the 38th minute.

The goal stunned United, who had looked comfortable for most of the first half. City’s equalizer came at a crucial time and shifted the momentum firmly in their favor.

Second Half: City’s Resilience & United’s Mistakes

The second half saw a more determined and energetic Manchester City side come out of the dressing room. As the game wore on, the play became more open, with both teams looking to score. It was clear that City had more attacking options, with players like Sergio Agüero, Yaya Touré, and David Silva posing a constant threat.

In the 52nd minute, Manchester City took the lead through an unlikely source: Vincent Kompany. The City captain, known more for his defensive qualities than his attacking prowess, rose to meet a corner kick from David Silva and headed the ball into the back of the net, sending the City supporters into a frenzy.

United, now trailing 2-1, began to push forward desperately, but they were caught on the counter-attack several times. City’s defense, led by Kompany and Joleon Lescott, stood firm, frustrating the United attackers.

City’s Third: Yaya Touré Seals the Deal

In the 60th minute, City’s third goal came from none other than Yaya Touré, who would go on to become a pivotal figure in City’s subsequent title wins. A brilliant ball from David Silva found Touré just outside the United penalty area. The Ivorian midfielder controlled the ball with sublime composure and smashed it past David de Gea, who had no chance to save it.

At 3-1, the match seemed all but over, and Manchester City had their revenge. The crowd erupted in joy, as their team had not only taken the lead but also delivered a performance that demonstrated their growing stature in English football.

Late Drama: United’s Fightback

However, Manchester United wasn’t going down without a fight. In the 87th minute, they pulled one back through a Ryan Giggs free-kick. Giggs, who was always a dangerous set-piece taker, delivered a perfect ball into the box, and Nani, ever the threat, met it with a header to reduce the deficit to 3-2.

Despite this late scare, Manchester City held firm, with Joe Hart making crucial saves in the dying minutes to ensure that City would claim the victory.

Final Whistle: Manchester City’s Triumph

When the final whistle blew, Manchester City had won the 2012 Community Shield 3-2. The victory marked a crucial moment in Manchester City’s rise to the top of English football. They had not only gotten revenge for their Premier League heartache but had also sent a message to the rest of the league that they were a force to be reckoned with.

The standout performances came from David Silva, whose delivery for the goals was exceptional, Yaya Touré, whose powerful midfield presence and stunning goal sealed the win, and Vincent Kompany, whose leadership and goal ensured the victory was secured.

Conclusion: A New Era for Manchester City

The 3-2 victory in the 2012 Community Shield was a defining moment in Manchester City’s journey under Roberto Mancini. This win signaled the start of City’s dominance in English football, as they went on to win the Premier League later that season in what was one of the most dramatic title races in history.

For Manchester United, it was a reminder that their dominance was being challenged, and although they had enjoyed a 19th league title just months before, this defeat in the Community Shield would be one of the first signs of a shift in power between the two clubs.

With City’s future success, including two more Premier League titles and a UEFA Champions League crown, the 2012 Community Shield victory remains a pivotal moment in their history — a moment when Manchester City took their revenge and announced themselves as the new force in English football