It was 55 years ago today that City’s famous 4-1 win over Spurs was dubbed ‘The Ballet on Ice’.
It wasn’t just quality of the display, but the circumstances.
The harsh Manchester winter left only flecks of green grass on the snow-covered Maine Road pitch for the visit of Tottenham Hotspur, but that proved no issue for Joe Mercer and Malcolm Allison’s City, who gracefully skated to victory .
The elegance and poise the Blues showed in adverse conditions was, indeed, seemingly choreographed as the champions elect took apart Tottenham on the frozen, white surface.
Jimmy Greaves poked Spurs in front after six minutes, but the North Londoners looked uncomfortable throughout, barely able to keep their feet.
Colin Bell levelled for City who had created chance after chance that had either gone narrowly wide or been repelled by the excellent Pat Jennings.
Spurs clung on until early in the second-half when Mike Summerbee powered a header home on 50 minutes.
Neil Young then struck the bar before Tony Coleman scored from close range with 64 minutes on the clock.
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Young got the goal he deserved on 75 minutes and City struck the woodwork twice more in the time that remained but settled for a 4-1 win.
And as ice and frost once again lie heavy on the streets of the city, watch our Classic Match Replay on CITY+ and Recast to re-live a winter treat
