Both halves of Manchester were celebrating on Saturday as the Football Association got lucky with their controversial scheduling of the FA Cup final on the same day as Premiership matches. And not just any matches - Manchester united clinched their record 19th title with a 1-1 draw at Blackburn. Fortunately for the FA, it was Chelsea who lost their chance to win the title, rather than the 4th placed Manchester City - who started their bid for FA Cup glory only moments after the final whistle at Ewood Park confirmed the title. As Manchester City went on to win their first FA Cup, or any trophy, since 1969, all of Manchester were left celebrating for a change.
However, what was once the glamour day of the English football season, was left with a somewhat of an anti-climactic feel following the earlier Premiership events, although it could have been much worse. Had the final featured say Chelsea and West Ham, it could have seen one finalist miss out on the title, while the other was all but relegated. (Wins for Wolves and Blackpool does spell big trouble for the Hammers). While Wembley's hosting of the Champion's League final was behind this year's FA Cup change, the FA has already foreshadowed a repeat next year due to Euro 2012 scheduling. Perhaps it is only a matter of time before the FA Cup and the League Cup are merged to 'make room' in the schedule. Not too much is sacred these days, and the Champion's League has certainly taken a lot away from the FA Cup.
For what it's worth, Yaya Toure scored the winner in the 73rd minute for City as they defeated Stoke 1-0 in a game they dominated, racking up fourteen shots on goal to just one for Stoke. Earlier in the day, Brett Emerton gave Blackburn the early lead, giving Chelsea some hope, but Wayne Rooney scored a second half penalty to clinch the vital point. Wolves scored a vital 3-1 win at Sunderland, while Blackpool also registered three crucial points with a thrilling 4-3 win over Bolton.
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