10 Incredible Premier League "What Ifs"
8. Joey Barton doesn't get sent off against Man City
One of the most iconic moments in Premier League history, Sergio Aguero's last minute winner against QPR secured Man City's first Premier League title and finally justified the club's massive spending habit since their takeover in 2008.
The game itself is hailed as one of the most competitive games ever in the Premier League but, in truth, that was only the case up until the 55th minute as QPR lost their chief enforcer (and former City midfielder) Joey Barton. The foul tempered QPR captain was dismissed for violent conduct following a challenge on Carlos Tevez and City went on to take advantage of their numerical advantage - but what if Barton had kept his cool?
Had Joey Barton kept his temper in check, QPR would have retained their intimidation factor that was causing so many issues for their flair players: David Silva & Samir Nasri. Both of City's creative midfielders were constantly under high pressure either from Barton himself or one of his teammates, spurred on by his aggressive encouragement.
Mario Balotelli joined the fray in the 76th minute and proved to be the one to slot the ball to Aguero but had Barton been on the pitch, the flamboyant Italian would have had a serious task on his hands to get past the QPR captain and it's entirely possible the game would have ended in a famous victory for Rangers.
Had City lost the title on the final day, Roberto Mancini almost certainly would have been given his marching orders and Barton would hold a place in Manchester United folklore as the man who quashed the noisy neighbours.