2019: Manchester City Women achieved Continental Cup glory on this day two years ago in the most dramatic of fashion.
Despite Nikita Parris and Janine Beckie both rattling the woodwork, our clash with eventual Women’s Super League champions Arsenal finished goalless after 120 minutes.
The game had to be settled by penalties, and it Karen Bardsley who stepped up to be the hero at Bramall Lane.
The City stopper denied both Leah Williamson and Danielle van de Donk from the spot, allowing Beckie to sweep home the winner and claim our third Continental Cup!
2020: The WSL title race remained wide open after City and Chelsea played out a thrilling 3-3 draw at the Academy Stadium.
Alan Mahon’s side had led twice through goals from Ellen White and Georgia Stanway in either half, but both strikes were cancelled out by Ji So-yun and Magdalena Eriksson.
Caroline Weir was brought down in the box within 60 seconds of Chelsea’s second equaliser, but Georgia Stanway was expertly denied from the spot by Ann-Katrin Berger as the game edged towards its dramatic climax.
Midfielder Beth England then put the visitors ahead in spectacular style 16 minutes from time, launching an absolute missile into the top corner of Ellie Roebuck‘s net.
But City rallied and found an instant response to deservedly take a point and remain top of the WSL, with Lauren Hemp stealing in ahead of her marker to slide home the leveller two minutes later.
The 3-3 draw meant we stayed above Chelsea by a single point, but Emma Hayes’ side held the advantage of having played one less match.
They would go on to win the title on a points-per-game basis after the season was curtailed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
1981: Former City midfielder Gareth Barry turns 40 today!
The England international was signed by Mark Hughes in the summer of 2009 from Aston Villa and slotted in seamlessly next to Nigel De Jong in the middle of the park.
Barry was a regular in the middle of the park for the following four seasons, going on to make over 150 appearances for the club.
He started in our historic FA Cup triumph over Stoke back in 2011 and also played a key role in our Premier League triumph the following season, featuring 34 times as we became top flight champions for the first time in 44 years.
Everyone at Manchester City would like to wish Gareth the best on his birthday!
