Manchester City qualified for the Champions League for the first time as Peter Crouch's own goal gave them the decisive victory over Tottenham at Eastlands.
Crouch's strike here late last season sent Spurs into Europe's elite competition at City's expense - and he was unwittingly involved at the same end again as he deflected James Milner's cross past keeper Carlo Cudicini in the first half.
It proved enough to give Roberto Mancini's side the win they required after a tension-riddled affair controlled for long spells by Spurs, who dominated possession in the second half to test the nerves of an increasingly anxious City support.
Celebrations swept around Eastlands as referee Mike Dean sounded his final whistle to send City into the Champions League, the destination desired by the club's Abu Dhabi hierarchy from the moment they started to bankroll the club in such lavish fashion.
And Carlos Tevez added to the sense of elation for City with a lively cameo as a late substitute in which he set up a chance for Patrick Vieira and was only denied a goal by a fine stop from Cudicini, who replaced the injured Heurelho Gomes.
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| Peter Crouch |
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| Joe Hart |
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| Roberto Mancini |
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