Remembering Adebayor’s Moment Of Manchester City Madness

There’s never a dull moment at Manchester City. Whether it’s last minute winner to take the league title or penalty misses to deny a place in Europe, City have pretty much seen it all. But there’s also been some bizarre moments for blues fans to remember, and none more so than in 2009 when Arsenal arrived in Manchester for a Premier League clash.

The blues had just been on another spending spree and amongst the new signings was a certain man from Togo by the name of Emmanuel Adebayor. The striker arrived in Manchester following an acrimonious transfer from Arsenal and the two teams met in Manchester in the fourth league game of the season. Adebayor had scored in each of the blues previous three league matches and was relishing playing against his former club. And it was to be a match of mixed fortune for the striker.

City had taken the lead in the first half through Micah Richards’ header, but Robin van Persie levelled in the second half. Adebayor also appeared to stamp on the Dutch striker during an eventful second period in which Craig Bellamy had given City the lead for the second time.

With ten minutes left, Adebayor’s moment arrived. The striker met Shaun Wright-Phillips cross and powered a header beyond the keeper to make the game safe at 3-1. A simple celebration would have been enough, but the striker had other ideas.

Having endured the taunts form Arsenal fans throughout the game. Adebayor raced the full length of the field, before sliding on his knees in front of the Arsenal fans, arms wide as if he had just scored for the visiting side.

Naturally, this prompted a barrage of abuse from the visiting supporters, who also tried to hurl anything they find at him, before the new signing eventually got to his feet and celebrated with the home fans instead.

Adebayor was booked for his celebration and later banned for three matches for his stamp on van Persie, meaning he would miss the Manchester Derby a week later. He also later apologised for his behaviour, while commentators labelled it a stupid and reckless move on the part of the striker. Some defended his actions, but it will be a moment of madness that City fans will never forget.