Inspired by Juan Mata’s controversial goal for Chelsea in their FA Cup semi-final against Spurs on Sunday, we have carefully compiled our top five ghost goals for your viewing pleasure. Is this the end of the line for arguments to keep technology out of football?

                                       Spot the ball

Frank Lampard - England v Germany

World Cup 2010 in South Africa was a truly miserable affair for England, culminating in a humiliating 4-1 thrashing by arch rivals Germany in Bloemfontein. But could things have been different? Every man and his dog thought Frank Lampard had levelled the scores at 2-2 when his deft chip landed a good yard over Manuel Neuer’s goal-line just before half-time, but the Uruguayan officials had other ideas and ruled it out. Most rational football fans would tell you that an in-form Germany side would have triumphed regardless, but an equaliser certainly would have made things interesting.

Christian Teffert - Duisberg v Frankfurt

If England felt unlucky in Bloemfontein, imagine how Second Division German side Frankfurt felt after this clanger. Duisburg’s Christian Tiffert’s effort struck the underside of the crossbar before landing a whopping 1.3 meters away from Frankfurt’s goal-line, but despite a clear view of the incident, the linesman signalled to the referee and a goal was given. Frankfurt's protests might have been stronger were they not already 4-0 down. In the confusion that follows the 'goal', scorer Tiffert shrugs innocently as Frankfurt’s plans for a late four-goal comeback are dashed.

Freddie Sears – Bristol City v Crystal Palace

Hell hath no fury like a wronged Neil Warnock. You’ll want to turn the sound up for this one, as former Crystal Palace manager Warnock rages at officials who wrongly disallowed a clear goal from striker Freddie Sears in 2009. Sears, on loan from West Ham at the time, beat the goalkeeper from six yards but his shot bounced off the stanchion at the bottom of the net and came back out. Referee Rob Shoebridge failed to spot the goal and Crystal Palace went on to lose the game 0-1. Poor Sears has only managed a single league goal in two-and-a-half years since that day. And I’m pretty sure Neil Warnock is still angry too.

Pedro Mendes - Man Utd v Spurs

Sunday’s incident at Wembley was not the first time in recent years that Spurs have found themselves at the centre of goal-line controversy. In 2005, midfielder Pedro Mendes’ speculative effort from the halfway line at Old Trafford was clumsily dropped over the goal-line by Man Utd keeper Roy Carroll. When referee Mark Clattenberg and his linesman fail to award the goal, the sheepish expression on Carroll’s face tells you all you need to know.

John Eustace - Watford v Reading

This is perhaps the most bizarre decision of the bunch. When Reading midfielder Stephen Hunt sent a corner into the Watford box in this Championship clash in 2008, Watford defender John Eustace looked to have deflected the ball for another corner. Remarkably, however, linesman Nigel Bannister flagged for an own goal, despite the incident taking place the wrong side of the goalpost. Four yards the wrong side, to be precise. To the total bemusement of everyone inside the stadium, however, referee Stuart Atwell gave the goal.

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See more from our Five of the Best series:

Five of the Best: Penalties

Five of the Best: Penalty Blunders

Five of the Best: Goalie Goals

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Since breaking into the Liverpool first team in 1998, Icon Steven Gerrard has made a habit of putting in big performances when it matters. The Liverpool captain has won an impressive seven out of nine major cup finals with Liverpool, including Sunday’s Carling Cup triumph against Cardiff, and scored five crucial goals in the process. As Gerrard continues his attempts to rediscover his best form after a year on the sidelines, we recall his greatest cup final moments.

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UEFA Cup final vs Alavés (goal at 1 min 42secs)

Gerrard’s first cup final goal came at the age of 20 in Liverpool’s enthralling 5-4 UEFA Cup triumph against Spanish side Alavés in 2001. Gerrard’s well taken finish from a Michael Own through ball put Liverpool 2-0 up inside 16 minutes, but it was already a distant memory when, six goals later, unfortunate Alavés defender Delfí Geli’s ‘own golden goal’ handed Gerrard and Liverpool victory in the 117th minute.

League Cup final vs Man Utd

This is why Gerrard should never be allowed time and space to shoot from range. David Beckham, of all people, should have known better. In the 2003 League Cup final at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium, Beckham, in his last season at Manchester United, dawdles in his attempt to close down Gerrard, allowing his England teammate to release a fierce drive at goal from 25 yards out. Beckham sticks out a leg but it’s too late, he only succeeds in deflecting the ball up and over goalkeeper Fabian Barthez. Gerrard’s opener sent Liverpool on their way to a 2-0 victory, while Beckham was left only a stray boot to the face away from a transfer to Real Madrid.

Champions League final vs AC Milan

Inspiring Liverpool’s legendary second-half comeback in Istanbul in 2005 remains the greatest achievement of Steven Gerrard’s glittering Liverpool career. After a catastrophic opening 45 minutes left Liverpool 0-3 down at half-time, Gerrard took matters into his own hands. This excellent header from John Arne Riise’s cross in the 54th minute (pictured above) set the wheels in motion for one of the most remarkable comebacks in European football history. After the wild celebrations that followed, Gerrard’s fellow goalscorer Vladimir Smicer said: “The cup ended up with Stevie G in his room. His girlfriend wasn’t here, so he had the cup in his bed instead.” He revealed no further details.

FA Cup final vs West Ham

Another unforgettable cup final defined by Steven Gerrard here, as his stunning injury time volley makes it 3-3, sending the 2006 FA Cup final against West Ham to extra time and penalties, where Liverpool again emerged triumphant. “It’s like Istanbul all over again for Liverpool,” says veteran commentator John Motson, as Gerrard wheels away in celebration with, erm, Jan Kromkamp.

League Cup final vs Chelsea

Sorry Liverpool fans, but here’s a rare cup final lapse from Gerrard, as he diverts the ball into his own net in the 2005 League Cup final against Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea. Liverpool were beaten 2-3 in extra-time, but, as we all know, Gerrard more than made amends three months later in Istanbul.

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On February 8^th Icons held an exclusive signing session with Cristiano Ronaldo. This was our sixth meeting with the Real Madrid superstar, who been signing for Icons since way back in 2005 when he was first establishing himself at Manchester United. Our long-standing relationship means we are the ONLY company he agrees to sign for, and you can see his full range of signed products here. To mark Ronaldo's return to Icons, we bring you five of his best ever goals.

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vs Porto

This stunning 40-yard wonder goal in Manchester United’s 2008-09 Champions League quarter-final second leg against Porto proved decisive. United needed a positive result in Porto having drawn 2-2 in the first leg at Old Trafford, and Ronaldo’s moment of devastating spontaneity sent United through to the semi-finals 3-2 on aggregate. “It’s the best goal I’ve ever scored,” beamed Ronaldo. “I’ve just seen the replay and I didn’t realise it was 40 yards out and I hit it at 65mph – wow!”

vs Arsenal (1.06 mins)

Just 20 days later came an equally sensational strike against Arsenal in the semi-final of the same competition.  With United already a goal up at the Emirates, Ronaldo wins a free-kick just under 40 yards from goal on the inside-right channel. After measuring his run-up in trademark fashion, he launches an unstoppable rocket past Arsenal goalkeeper Manuel Almunia to send United on their way to the 2008-09 Champions League final. See our photo of this goal, personally signed by Ronaldo, here.

vs Ajax

One criticism often levelled at Ronaldo is that he is selfish, a trait that can frustrate fans and teammates alike. But this perfect counter-attacking goal for Real Madrid in this season’s Champions League is testament to his outstanding teamwork abilities and combination play. Ronaldo is the architect here, combining with Mesut Ozil, Kaka and Karim Benzema at incredible speed before sweeping home the finish himself.

vs Barcelona

Ronaldo is a remarkably complete forward, and combined with the speed, power and box of tricks, is fantastic aerial ability. This winning goal for Real Madrid against Barcelona in the 2010/11 Copa del Rey final is the best exponent of his heading prowess, and yet another example of him delivering a crucial goal in a big game. In the first half of extra-time, Ronaldo meets Ángel di María's cross with a stunning bullet header into the far corner. Perhaps not his greatest goal in a technical sense, but certainly one of his most important.

vs Spain

Ok, so this 'goal' didn't actually stand, but we couldn't resist including it nonetheless. In Portugal's 4-0 mauling of Spain in a friendly in November 2010, Ronaldo looked to have scored a superb individual goal, but as his sublime chipped finish was about to drop over the line, his former Man United teammate Nani headed it in at point-blank range from an offside position. Ronaldo, furious, throws his captain's armband to the ground in anguish. A sheepish Nani later apologised. " After having time to think about it I apologised to Ronaldo," said Nani. "It was a great piece of play and I shouldn't have ruined it."

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See more from our Five of the Best series:

Five of the Best: Free-Kicks

Five of the Best: Penalties

Five of the Best: Goalie Goals

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Driven with ferocious power, or curled with accuracy and finesse, a free-kick goal is a beautiful thing. A talented dead-ball specialist is a valuable asset for any side. And in this installment of Icons' Five of the Best series, we bring you five unforgettable strikes from some of the best free-kick takers in the business.

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Roberto Carlos

Is this the best free-kick of all time? Football fans and scientists alike gawped in disbelief at this mind-boggling ‘banana’ free-kick from Brazil left-back Roberto Carlos in 1997. Up against hosts France in international friendly tournament Tournoi de France, Roberto Carlos’ blistering 40-yarder looked to be heading well wide before a remarkable change in trajectory sent the ball curving inside the post past a static Fabian Barthez. Dismissed by cynics as a fluke, in 2010 a team of French scientists developed an equation proving that the flight of the ball was no accident. Take that, cynics!

David Beckham

Is this the best free-kick of all time? David Beckham is a name synonymous with the art of free-kick taking. And this unforgettable effort for England merits inclusion on context alone. And also because we’re English, and therefore biased. Three minutes into stoppage time and trailing 1-2 in this crucial World Cup qualifier against Greece, England desperately need a goal to secure qualification to the 2002 finals. Teddy Sheringham wins the free kick, and Beckham does the rest. “Give that man a knighthood!” bellows the commentator, as Old Trafford erupts.

José Manuel Rey

Is this the best fr-… Ok, you get the point. José Manuel Rey is definitely not a name synonymous with the art of free-kick taking. In fact, you've probably never heard of him. FYI, Rey is a Venezuelan international defender who once played for Dundee (Thanks, Wikipedia), and here he is with an absolute thunderbolt from 45 yards in a World Cup qualifier against Ecuador in 2007. While many go for finesse from a set-piece, Rey takes a rather different approach, with a run-up that starts inside his own half. The South American commentary team enjoy it in typically restrained fashion.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Love him or loathe him (we opt for the former), Icon Cristiano Ronaldo sure knows how to hit a free-kick. Here’s his trademark best for Manchester United against Portsmouth in 2008. Ever the showman, the Portuguese carefully positions the ball 30 yards from goal, takes four measured steps backwards, ignores some advice from Wayne Rooney, exhales with legs splayed, and finally smashes a rasping, dipping missile of a free-kick into David James’ top corner. Before being mobbed by his elated teammates, the Eric Cantona-esque celebration isn't bad either.

Juninho Pernambucano

Never mind Roberto Carlos, Zico or Ronaldinho, the ultimate Brazilian free-kick master is former Lyon midfielder Juninho Pernambucano. Is this swerving effort in a Champions League clash against Barcelona deliberate? You bet it is. But if you need convincing, here’s proof that it wasn’t his first from such an acute angle. Indeed, Juninho, now 37, can score from pretty much anywhere, as shown by this spectacular recent effort for Brazilian side Vasco de Gama.

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See more from our Five of the Best series:

Five of the Best: Penalties

Five of the Best: Goalie Goals

Five of the Best: Penalty Blunders

And follow Icons on Twitter @icons_football

Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona lock horns in the first leg of the Copa del Rey quarter-final this Wednesday at the Bernabeu. La Liga leaders Madrid have won 22 of their last 23 games, but Barcelona have a psychological advantage over their arch-rivals having lost only one Clásico in eight since José Mourinho took over. The tie will be settled next week at the Camp Nou, and to mark this momentous occasion we have dug out five classic Clásicos from recent years for your viewing pleasure.

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Leo Messi hat-trick

It was on the night of 11th March, 2007 that a 19-year-old Leo Messi became football’s hottest property. Three times Fabio Capello’s Real Madrid took the lead in this pulsating encounter at the Camp Nou, and three times they were pegged back by Messi. The Argentinian’s virtuoso performance overshadowed superstar teammates Ronaldinho and Samuel Eto’o, and in a thrilling finale he sealed his hat-trick with a stunning stoppage time equaliser. Collecting a Ronaldinho pass 30 yards from goal, Messi accelerated away from two defenders and coolly steered the ball past Iker Casillas to level it up at 3-3.

Real Madrid demolish the 'Dream Team'

Messi’s treble in 2007 was the first in a Clásico since 1995, when Real Madrid’s Chilean striker Ivan Zamorano was the hat-trick hero as they demolished Johan Cruyff’s Barcelona ‘Dream Team’ 5-0 at the Bernabeu. 364 days previously, Barcelona had thrashed Madrid by the same scoreline at the Camp Nou, but the crucial difference this time around was that Danish midfielder Michael Laudrup had since switched clubs. The Dane was influential in both fixtures, and it was no coincidence that he won La Liga with each club consecutively. The 1994/95 La Liga title with Madrid was his fifth in a row.

'Match of the Century'

In 2002 Real Madrid proved their dominance over Barcelona with this impressive Champions League semi-final triumph. In a contest billed ‘Match of the Century’ by the Spanish media, Zinedine Zidane inspired Madrid’s Galacticos to a crucial 2-0 win in the first leg at the Camp Nou. The Frenchman gave Madrid the lead with a glorious chip before England winger Steve McManaman added a second late on with another superb lofted finish. The return leg at the Bernabeu finished 1-1 and Real Madrid safely booked their place in the final. With his unforgettable volleyed winner, Zidane would play a pretty crucial role in that game too.

Ronaldinho's standing ovation

A standing ovation from your own fans is one thing, but to receive one from your most hated rivals as Ronaldinho did in November 2005 is practically unheard of. In his glorious pomp, the buck-toothed Brazilian was almost unplayable. Samuel Eto’o opened the scoring for Barcelona in this magnificent 3-0 victory after a probing run from one Leo Messi, but the brilliant Ronaldinho stole the show with two stunning individual goals cutting in from the left hand side. Barca romped to the title that year, finishing 12 points clear of their arch-rivals.

The guard of honour

Barcelona's turn to be humbled here, as they are forced to give newly crowned La Liga champions Madrid a guard of honour before this meeting at the Bernabeu in May 2008. As if that wasn't humiliating enough, Madrid went on to thrash the visitors 4-1 with goals from Raúl, Robben, Higuaín and van Nistelrooy. The day after this dismal defeat, Barcelona manager Frank Rijkaard was sacked. In came Pep Guardiola, and, well, you know the rest.

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Having already brought you a collection of great penalties in our 'Five of the Best' series, we now turn our attention to the other end of the spot kick spectrum. We have scoured the web in search of the worst penalties we could find, and these are the five we eventually settled on. Watch them. Laugh. Then watch them again.

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Roberto Baggio

Oh Roberto. The Divine Ponytail gets it all wrong here with one of the most infamous penalty misses of all time. After Italy and Brazil had served up a goalless 120-minute snoozefest at the USA '94 World Cup final, the game went to a penalty shootout. Baggio's dreadful deciding penalty brought to an end a dreadful final. Four years later he became the only Italian player to score at three World Cups, but he ended his career knowing he would never get closer to the trophy than that afternoon at the Rose Bowl.

Henry and Pires

Robert Pires and Thierry Henry's Laurel and Hardy moment. Two of the most skillful and elegant players ever to grace the Premier League combine for this truly embarrassing penalty cock up against Manchester City in 2005. The pair fail spectacularly as they attempt to recreate this classic 1982 Johan Cruyff penalty. Pires, unable to kick the ball forward to the onrushing Henry, shouldered most of the blame. Much to the relief of both parties, however, Arsenal were able to hang on to their slender 1-0 lead. A relieved Arsene Wenger reflected: "I felt disbelief. But Robert is a lucky boy because the team has not been punished." 

Amir Sayoud

Al Ahly's Amir Sayoud made a name for himself in September with this hilarious penalty blunder in an Egyptian Cup tie. Sayoud runs up, stalls, kicks the ground, slips, and scuffs the ball before falling flat on his face. He then receives a booking for his troubles.

Mehmet Aurelio

This could well be the worst penalty ever taken. Blasting a penalty high or wide is one thing, but Mehmet Aurelio - playing for Real Betis in the Spanish second division at the time - couldn't have hit the ball further away from the goal if he'd tried.

Diana Ross

Back to USA '94 for this one, as Motown Diva Diana Ross opens up the occasion in farcical fashion. After dancing her way up the pitch at a cringeworthy opening ceremony emceed, bizarrely, by Oprah Winfrey, Ross drags her penalty kick well wide of the goal. In accordance with the planned stunt, however, the goal spectacularly breaks in two anyway. It's a poor penalty from Ross, lacking power and accuracy and executed with poor technique. Maybe Oprah Winfrey would have done a better job?

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Penalties are next up in our 'Five of the Best' series. From the World Cup final to Swiss football's 12th tier, this collection of spot kicks has something for everyone. What are your favourite penalties? Get in touch and let us know on Twitter or Facebook.

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Zinedine Zidane

This is the kind of sublime skill and audacity for which France legend Zinedine Zidane will always be remembered. At 0-0 in the 2006 World Cup final against Italy, the stage could hardly have been bigger. Zidane's final professional game was subsequently marred by his notorious sending off and France's eventual defeat, but with this wonderful penalty he became only the fourth player in World Cup history to score in two different finals. He was named the best player of the competition and awarded the Golden Ball. It was only a shame he couldn't lift the World Cup at the end of it all.

Ezequiel Calvente

The perfect 'switch-hit' penalty here from Spain Under-19s' Ezequiel Calvente at the 2010 European Championship in France. Shaping to hit the ball with his right foot, the Real Betis midfielder shifts to his left at the last second to send the keeper the wrong way. He might not have tried it had Spain not been 2-0 at the time, but we're very glad he did.

Joonas Jokinen

Former Finnish youth international Joonas Jokinen became an internet phenomenon when he executed a spectacular somersault as he smashed home a penalty for Swiss side FC Baar in April. An amateur outfit who play in the 12^th tier of Swiss football, Baar were hosting rivals FC Sempach in a local derby, and what's more, it was 0-0 when this penalty was taken. We salute you, Joonas.

Joe Hart

This is not the first of our 'Five of the Best' series in which Joe Hart has featured (see the fifth video here). Indeed, the Manchester City and England stopper appears to be a man of many talents. Here he is stepping up for England Under-21s in the penalty shootout of their 2009 European Championship semi-final against Sweden. High and powerful into the roof of the net, he looks as comfortable taking penalties as he does facing them.

Xabi Alonso

An absolutely perfect penalty from Spain's Xabi Alonso in a friendly against Argentina in 2009. For the best view of this one watch the replay at 0.57 seconds.

...Oh, what the hell. Here's one more:

Morons in the park

Ouch.

London rivals Chelsea and Arsenal have played out some thrilling encounters over the years, and with this Saturday's clash at Stamford Bridge in mind, we've been looking back at some classic moments between the two sides. From Kerry Dixon to Nigel Winterburn, here are five of the best.

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'Chelsea are back'

On the opening day of the 1984/85 season, newly promoted Chelsea claim to have taken 20,000 supporters to Highbury. 'Chelsea are back', sang hoards of Blues fans as Kerry Dixon smashed the ball past Arsenal goalkeeper Pat Jennings in front of the Clock End for Chelsea's memorable equaliser.

Kanu believe it?

Nwankwo Kanu was capable of amazing things in his pomp, and this brilliant hat-trick at Stamford Bridge in 1999 remains a treasured memory for Arsenal fans. Tore Andre Flo and the unlikely Dan Petrescu had capitalized on some uncharacteristically slack marking from Arsenal's fabled Adams/Keown centre-half axis to put Chelsea 2-0 up, but with 15 minutes to go, Kanu inspired a remarkable Arsenal comeback. A pulsating finale came to a head in the 90^th minute when Kanu shimmied past Chelsea keeper Ed De Goey and curled home a sensational winner from an impossibly acute angle.

Winterburn wonder strike

Kanu's 1999 hat-trick was preceded by another dramatic 3-2 Arsenal win at Stamford Bridge in 1997. This match looked destined for a draw when Arsenal left-back Nigel Winterburn (pictured above) - who scored a meager total of 12 goals in 578 appearances for the Gunners – made himself an improbable hero with this spectacular 35-yarder in the 89^th minute. Note Emmanuel Petit's cheeky trip on a Chelsea player in the build up at 0.13 seconds.

Wayne Bridge's finest hour

A sensational late winner from a Chelsea left-back this time. Remember when Wayne Bridge used to play football? His career hasn't exactly blossomed in recent years, but on the night of April 6^th 2004 he made himself a hero. With extra-time looming in the second-leg of this Champions League quarter-final at Highbury, Bridge came galloping forward, exchanged passes with Eidur Gudjohnsen, and drilled the ball into the net to send Claudio Ranieri's side through to the semis.

2007 Carling Cup Final

Chelsea's Didier Drogba has dominated this fixture in recent years, netting 13 goals against the Blues' London rivals. Indeed, the likes of Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker will be breathing a sigh of relief at the Ivorian's suspension this Saturday. This Carling Cup final back in 2007 was marred by a mass brawl that saw three players sent off in injury time, but the lasting memory for Blues fans is the Drogba brace that cancelled out Theo Walcott's opener to hand them a 2-1 victory.

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Sunday sees the 161st Manchester derby take place at Old Trafford, with reigning Premier League Champions Manchester United looking to take three points and leapfrog their noisy neighbours into top spot. The Manchester derby has thrown up some iconic moments over the years, and having already recalled five great City moments, we turn our attentions to United.

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The Wayne Rooney bicycle kick

Prior to this wonder strike in February last season, Rooney had only managed five goals for United since August. Questions were being asked of United's talisman, but what a way to prove the old adage that while form is temporary, class is permanent. The scores were level at 1-1 in the 77^th minute when Nani's floated cross sparked this magical moment of inspiration from Rooney. It was named Goal of the Season, and sent United eight points clear at the top of the table on their way to the title.

3-2 comeback at Maine Road

Brian Horton's City side were cruising at half-time in November 1993, 2-0 up courtesy of a Niall Quinn brace, but United's Eric Cantona-inspired second-half comeback made for one of the most remarkable derbies in memory. Sir Alex's side have developed something of a penchant for a dramatic comeback, and this ranks among their very best. Roy Keane's winner came right at the death, and judging by his celebration, he rather enjoyed it.

5-0 revenge at Old Trafford

In 1994, five years after the painful 'Demolition Derby' 5-1 defeat at Maine Road, Sir Alex and United exacted this sweet revenge. Ukranian Andrei Kanchelskis stole the show with a hat-trick, but Cantona's opener was superb too, as was Mark Hughes's finish at 1.30. This thrashing came at a time when United were completely dominant over City, who failed to record a single derby win during the nineties.

Michael Owen's 96^th minute winner

Old Trafford explodes at Michael Owen's notorious 96^th minute winner in September 2009. In one of the most gripping Manchester derby's of all time, City's Craig Bellamy looked to have snatched a point for the Citizens when he made it 3-3 in the dying minutes, but up popped substitute Michael Owen in the depths of Fergie time...

Gary Neville shuns Schmeichel

Ok, so it's not exactly Keane v Vieira, but here Gary Neville makes it abundantly clear to United legend Peter Schmeichel how he feels about his decision to join rivals City in 2002. Talk to the hand, Peter!

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With 22 points from a possible 24 so far this season, Roberto Mancini's Manchester City are enjoying their best start to a league season since 1897. The Sky Blues are top of the table and two points clear of Manchester United, but this Sunday's titanic clash at Old Trafford will put their ambitions to the test. With Sheikh Mansour's billions taking City to another level, the Manchester derby is more competitive than ever, and to honour this momentous footballing occasion, we've dug out five of City's best ever Manchester derby moments.

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The 2011 FA Cup Semi-final

We'll start with City's most recent highlight. A landmark 1-0 victory over United at Wembley sent the Citizens on their way to their first trophy in 35 years. Yaya Toure's winner (at 3.24) was the obvious highlight of their afternoon, but City fans might enjoy another viewing of Dimitar Berbatov's remarkable miss from three yards (0.40), and Paul Scholes' late sending off (5.15). All in all, not a bad day at the office for Roberto Mancini's side. 

The 1989 'Demolition Derby'

Events at Maine Road on 23^rd September 1989 stunned English football. Newly-promoted City had won only one of their first six First Division matches, but that day they defied the odds to thump Sir Alex Ferguson's United 5-1. Fighting between rival fans spilled onto the pitch and delayed kick-off by ten minutes, but the result remains City's greatest ever derby win. Having spent large sums of money to bolster the United squad that summer, Ferguson was deemed fortunate to avoid the sack.

Denis Law's backheel

"I was inconsolable. I did not want to score the goal that sent United down," reflected Denis Law on the backheeled goal that (sort of) relegated his old club in 1974. After joining United in 1962, the Scot fired his way to legendary status at Old Trafford with 237 goals in 11 illustrious years. But after moving to City for one final season before his retirement, Law's return to Old Trafford turned out to be the ultimate heartbreaker... For him, that is. For City fans it was quite the opposite. Results elsewhere meant that United would have been relegated regardless, but for Blues it was the perfect way to see their rivals go down.

Gary Neville feeds the Goat

November 2002, and with the scores level at 1-1 in the final Manchester derby to be played at Maine Road, this awful blunder from Gary Neville - United captain for the day - gifted City's Shaun Goater a goal. City went on to win 3-1, and Neville's gaffe was immortalized in poem: "Derby day, the scores were level, then the Goat was fed by Neville".

Joe Hart is really, REALLY fast

Injury time at Eastlands in November 2008, and with City trailing 1-0, goalkeeper Joe Hart comes forward for a corner. He may look a little lost in the opposition's box, but when United launch a counter attack he knows exactly where he needs to be. Not only does he make up the entire length of the pitch at the speed of a 100-meter sprinter, he somehow manages to claw Wayne Rooney's 60-yard lob round the post. Incredible.

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