It was the perfect conclusion for Manchester City.

It was the perfect heartbreak for Manchester United.

At the start of injury time, the Blues were a goal down against QPR, and all seemed set for yet another United title. But two goals within two minutes changed the scenario completely, and City could celebrate their first title in 44 years. Winning a league like this, and leaving their city rivals quickly putting back their champagne bottles in the fridge, was the way every City supporter dreamed of becoming a champion. On the other side of the fence, losing a league like this to “noisy neighbours” was the worst nightmare for United fans.

Italian coach Roberto Mancini achieved what he was asked to do when he took over the reins of Manchester City, who have lived in the shadows of their city rivals for decades. Seeing Man Utd win title after title, and being so successful in Europe at the same time, must have been difficult for City fans. Now they got their revenge.

Last year, Mancini took City to the FA Cup triumph, but it was the premier league that remained as the main objective. He’s managed to do it this season, becoming the second Italian manager to win the English premier league title after Carlo Ancelotti and his Chelsea two seasons ago.

With Roberto di Matteo leading Chelsea to the FA Cup victory this season, Italian managers continue to bring success to the clubs they manage in the Premier League. And, tonight, di Matteo – who has done so well after taking over from Villas Boas earlier in the season, and deserves to be confirmed – has the chance to go one step further by winning the Champions League, although the feat is arduous seeing that Chelsea will be playing against Bayern in Munich.

But back to City. When they fell eight points behind United a few weeks ago – and this after having led the premiership right from the start – they looked set for another disappointment. But United dropped several points in their last games, enabling City to catch up with them and pip them at the post. Literally.

It reminded many of the way Manchester United had beaten Bayern Munich in the Champions League final in 1999. For United detractors, what happened last week was poetic justice.

Fatal for United was the loss away to City which, added to their 1-6 drubbing at Old Trafford earlier in the season, made the difference – both in terms of points as well as the goal difference, which ultimately gave the title to City.