SportsClub looks back at the legends of the Premier League, and today features Carlos Tevez and his exploits in the 2010-11 season.
Although the 2010-11 Premier League season belonged to Manchester United, it was also a historic year for the English top flight as the Red Devils’ local rivals, Manchester City, emerged as credible title challengers.
While United coasted to their 19th title by a comfortable nine points, in the process surpassing Liverpool’s tally of 18 league wins, the injection of cash across town from City’s new owner Sheikh Mansour, helped the club establish themselves as serious contenders for the first time in decades.
City would end the season in third place with 71 points, the same tally as Chelsea, who edged the Sky Blues on goal difference, while Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal rounded out the top four and ensured a place in the following season’s Champions League.
At the bottom end of the table, there was misery for Birmingham City, Blackpool and West Ham United, who were all relegated.
The key figure in City’s assault on the Premier League hierarchy was none other than former Manchester United player Carlos Tevez. Having arrived from Old Trafford, where he spent the two seasons on loan, Tevez’s relentless goal-scoring helped the side secure key victories, propelling the Citizens up the standings.
The Argentinian forward finished level in the race for the league’s Golden Boot with United’s Dimitar Berbatov, after netting 20 times over the course of the campaign from 31 appearances.
Tevez also contributed six assists to the cause, while his leadership and tenacity went a long way to ensuring some measure of success for the blue half of Manchester.
His relationship with the club broke down after the striker found his opportunities limited following the arrival of national teammate Sergio Aguero. Tevez was all but exiled from Manchester following his refusal to come on as a substitute in a Champions League clash against Bayern Munich.
The Argentinian forward revived some of his best form after sealing a move to Italian giants Juventus before returning to his homeland to play for Boca Juniors, where he remains a key figure.
