Crouch own goal edges City past Tottenham
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
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Manchester City FC are assured of UEFA Champions League football in 2011/12 after a Peter Crouch own goal sealed a 1-0 win against top-four rivals Tottenham Hotspur FC.
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Manchester City FC secured a top-four finish and a place in next season's UEFA Champions League with a 1-0 home victory against Tottenham Hotspur FC.
City had the first notable chance but Edin Džeko was thwarted by Carlo Cudicini's point-blank save. Spurs grew into the match and it was not long before they fashioned an opportunity of their own, Luka Modrić firing wide from Aaron Lennon's centre.
Moments later, Roberto Mancini's men broke the deadlock when James Milner's cross was deflected into his own net by Peter Crouch, ironically the player who scored the only goal in this fixture 12 months ago which earned Harry Redknapp's men a berth in Europe's premier club competition.
The visitors had the better of proceedings after the break but, for all their possession, were unable to find an equaliser, Steven Pienaar and Lennon both firing over with team-mates well placed. City almost doubled their lead before the end but William Gallas headed Patrick Vieira's chip off the line with Cudicini beaten.
The icing on City's cake was the return from injury of Carlos Tévez in time for the FA Cup final on Saturday against Stoke City FC.
