The Tribune

By STUART CONDIE AP Sports Writer LONDON (AP) -- Manchester City came out on top on the most dramatic final day in Premier League history, scoring twice in injury time to win its first English league title in 44 years. City knew that victory over Queens Park Rangers on Sunday would clinch the title but was on the verge of handing the trophy to Manchester United when it trailed 2-1 with 90 minutes played. United players thought they had retained the title with a 1-0 win at Sunderland that ended at almost the same moment that City substitute Edin Dzeko equalized in the second minute of injury time. The title was still headed to Old Trafford at that point but the lead in the standings changed hands again two minutes later -- for a fourth and final time in a single day -- when Sergio Aguero sealed a 3-2 win that meant City finished above defending champion United on goal difference. "To win it like this is incredible," City manager Roberto Mancini said. "I have never seen a final (day) like this." Aguero sprinted bare chested around the field swinging his sky blue shirt above his head as the fans at the Etihad Stadium erupted with joy, the perennial underachievers finally tasting success. United beat Sunderland 1-0 through a goal by Wayne Rooney but Red Devils fans celebrating at the Stadium of Light fell silent as news of Aguero's goal reached them. Players stood stunned, staring blankly into space. "Nobody expected that," Ferguson said. "But I congratulate City on winning the league. Anybody who wins it, deserves it because it's a long haul." City clinched the third league title of its 132-year history with 89 points and a record identical to United's of 28 wins, five draws and five losses. The season, which with 1,066 goals was the highest scoring in the Premier League's 20-year history, effectively hinged on the two head-to-head matches between City and United. City won both, 6-1 and 1-0. Arsenal finished 19 points back in third place but clinched Champions League qualification for a 15th straight season with a 3-2 win at West Bromwich Albion, which needs a new manager for next season after Roy Hodgson's decision to take over as England coach. Tottenham was another point back in fourth place after Emmanuel Adebayor and Jermain Defoe scored for a 2-0 win over Fulham. Spurs must wait until Saturday before discovering whether they will be in the qualifying rounds for next season's Champions League. If Chelsea beats Bayern Munich in Saturday's Champions League final, the Blues will take England's fourth and final spot, leaving Tottenham with only a place in the second-tier Europa League. Newcastle finished in fifth place after losing 3-1 at Everton and Chelsea was sixth -- its lowest position since 2002 -- despite a 2-1 win over Blackburn. With Blackburn and Wolverhampton Wanderers already relegated, Bolton filled the final relegation spot after a 2-2 draw at Stoke. QPR finished a single point and a single place above the relegation zone despite its late defeat at City.