The recent release of Sunderland Till I Die’s latest series on Netflix has made us wonder what previous seasons would be worthy of a documentary.
With the most recent series featuring the highs, reaching the EFL Trophy Final, and the lows – losing at Wembley in the play-off final – it provides another entertaining insight into life as a Sunderland fan.
As it goes behind the scenes of the club’s operations, the viewers are invited inside the Stadium of Light as Chairman Stewart Donald and Executive Director Charlie Methven try to reduce the financial damage inflicted upon the Black Cats.
It’s entertainment values are high as the cameras go behind the scenes but, with hindsight on offer, here’s a look at how the gripping 2011-12 season would have panned out as a documentary.
It’s difficult to say who should have deserved the majority of the coverage; United were looking to record another Premier League triumph but their “noisy neighbours” were on the hunt for something to add to their inchoate trophy cabinet.
Many people remember that year’s Premier League campaign for the extraordinary way in which Manchester City won the title on the final day.
But the entertainment and drama stretches much further back than a sun-soaked day Etihad stadium and the historic words of veteran Sky Sports commentator, Martin Tyler.
August
Before the season had even got underway, Manchester United took first blood as they came from behind to lift the Charity Shield at Wembley.
While it’s often a trophy over-shadowed by the likes of the Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup, this season is worthy to note as United shunned their opponents at the National Stadium.
Both sides enjoyed blisteringly quick starts to the season as they took maximum points from their first three matches. United beat West Brom and Tottenham before an 8-2 demolition of Arsenal; Manchester City matched the results with a 4-0 win over Swansea, 3-2 victory over Bolton and then a 5-1 humbling of Tottenham as they headed into September.
September and October
City leapfrogged United to the top with a 3-0 win over Wigan but their stay was brief after Wayne Rooney netted his second hat-trick of the season to send the Red Devils top with a 5-0 win over Bolton.
City threw away a two-goal lead with Fulham to draw 2-2 allowing Sir Alex Ferguson’s side to establish a two-point gap over City when they beat Chelsea 3-1.
Tempers boiled within City’s camp when boss Roberto Mancini and Carlos Tevez clashed over playing time – it would have been great had the cameras captured the raw emotion in this.
Goals continued to come aplenty despite the absence of Tevez as City beat Blackburn (4-0) and Aston Villa (4-1). No-one, however, could have predicted the result at Old Trafford.
United were unbeaten at home in all competitions for more than a year. Yet City showed attacking dominance as Mario Balotelli and Edin Dzeko netted twice while Sergio Aguero and David Silva contributed to a 6-1 rout.
It was a huge moment for the two teams. The victory sent City five points clear of their Manchester counterparts and gave the first real indication that the title would be fought among themselves exclusively.
This game has since been recognised as the start of a shift in footballing power, from red to sky blue, from United to City.
Just imagine if the United changing room on that fateful day in October had been packed with cameras as Sir Alex gave the hairdryer treatment to his players – it would have made for comedy gold and a truly insightful look into life as a Red Devil.
November and December
This month saw the celebration of Sir Alex’s 25-year anniversary since joining the club – completed with a 1-0 win over Sunderland. But City remained five-points clear as they beat QPR 3-2 at Loftus Road.
The two sides continued to match each other’s results even when dropping points. Newcastle United held United to a 1-1 draw while Mancini’s men had to settle for a draw at Anfield against Liverpool.
Phil Jones scored his first career goal in a 1-0 win at Aston Villa early in December while Manchester City maintained their 100% home record with a 5-1 rout over Norwich.
They both crashed out of the Champions League but may have been secretly pleased as it allowed them to focus on their league aspirations.
United bounced back immediately, beating Wolves 4-1, but City’s slump continued as they lost for the first time that season, defeated 2-1 at Chelsea.
Sir Alex’s chase after City finally reached equilibrium when United responded to City’s 0-0 draw with West Brom by beating Wigan 5-0. The two sides were level on points once more.
United could have entered 2012 at the top of the table but a surprise 3-2 defeat to Blackburn Rovers again left them stuttering for answers.
January
Defeat was tasted by both sides in their opening games of the year but City restored their advantage at the top – albeit briefly, with a 3-0 win over Liverpool.
United needed something special to cure them of their pain as they looked to challenge in the second half of the season – Paul Scholes’ return from retirement was the perfect remedy.
He provided an immediate impact by scoring the opening goal in a 3-0 win over Bolton that sent the Red Devils joint-top with City once more.
February
Emotions between Tevez and Mancini continued to flow but the headlines came from United.
The Red Devils were 3-0 behind to Chelsea after less than an hour but a Wayne Rooney double and a Javier Hernandez strike ensured they got a share of the spoils. It proved vital in their title defence and they followed the draw up with wins over Liverpool and Norwich City.
City’s pace continued with victories against Aston Villa and Blackburn but United remained hot on their heels. The month also saw Tevez return to training and seemingly restore his place within the first team.
March
United moved top as City were beaten by Swansea but Tevez provided a fairytale-style performance by coming off the bench to assist Samir Nasri for the winner in a 2-1 win over Chelsea.
The gap was now only one point but they could not maintain their winning pace as draws with Stoke and Sunderland meant the lead was extended, marginally, to two points and a game in hand for United.
April
City fans may have thought their hopes for a first Premier League title were gone when – after United beat Blackburn and QPR – they lost to Arsenal, meaning the gap was eight points.
But it was not over by any stretch of the imagination after United lost to Wigan, beat Aston Villa and then let two two-goal leads slip to draw 4-4 with Everton.
Tevez was scoring goals for fun with City, meanwhile, scoring four times as City beat West Brom, Wolves and Norwich City as the gap was reduced to three points.
The two sides locked horns at the Etihad with City needing victory and Ferguson happy to take a draw to suit his ambitions. Vincent Kompany’s headed goal just before half-time was enough to send City top on goal difference.
May
The title race had always been between City and United but very few expected it to go down to the wire as much as it did.
Heading into the final game of the season they were level on points but City’s superior goal difference put them in pole position.
What happens next has gone down in history and hardly needs explaining as two stoppage-time goals brought City back from the brink, to beat QPR and claim the title.
Just imagine if there had been cameras to capture the emotional celebration in the City camp, but also to record the devastation among Sir Alex and his squad.
We can only dream of what was said back then – let’s hope the documentary producers are fortunate in the future to capture a campaign just as scintillating.
By Matt Lee