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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Niall McVeigh

From Cantona to Sané: five games that determined the destiny of the title

Eric Cantona and Steve Bruce in 1996, Marc Overmars scores for Arsenal in 1998, Vincent Kompany in 2012
Magic moments: Eric Cantona and Steve Bruce celebrate in 1996; Marc Overmars scores for Arsenal in 1998; and Vincent Kompany roars in delight in 2012. Composite: Getty, Shutterstock

Newcastle 0-1 Manchester United (1995-96)

Kevin Keegan’s swashbuckling Newcastle looked set to be runaway champions, but from 12 points clear they were slowly reeled in by Alex Ferguson’s ruthless Manchester United. When the two title-chasers met at St James’ Park in early March, Keegan’s previously irresistible attack was kept out repeatedly by Peter Schmeichel, and there was a sense of inevitability when Eric Cantona popped up to volley home the winner at the far post. Ferguson’s side travelled home a point behind Newcastle, who had been dragged into a scrap, and when he turned up the mind games in the run-in, Keegan boiled over on live TV in unforgettable fashion. How the Magpies manager would have loved it if his champions-elect had put their challengers away when they had the chance.

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