In terms of our success on the pitch, the climax of the 2009-2010 season was marred by a sense of disappointment, losing out on that hallowed final Champions League spot after a 1-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur in our final home game of the season.
However, there were also clear signs of progress, including a brace from both Carlos Tevez and Craig Bellamy helping topple eventual Premier League champions Chelsea 4-2 at Stamford Bridge in February 2010.
WATCH: Benjamin Mendy: Photographer battle
And those shoots of growth extended off the field as well, with the squad bolstered by the signings of future club legends David Silva and Yaya Toure in manager Roberto Mancini’s first summer transfer window.
As the year began to reach its twilight, City fans around the world were met with the sad news that Malcolm Allison, Joe Mercer’s assistant during our late 1960s and early 70s heyday, had passed away at the age of 83.
WATCH: Guardiola: Wolves trip one of our toughest tests
But the year was capped off in the best possible way thanks to a comfortable 4-0 win at home to Aston Villa and a Mario Balotelli hat-trick – why always him?