When
Alan Ball was named as Manchester City manager
at the start of the new season, he said that his job was "the envy of millions". But it quickly appeared to be a poisoned chalice, as a City side in the middle of a major transition (with many older players being transferred to make way for the club's promising set of youngsters) failed to win any of their first 11
FA Premier League games. This was followed by four wins from their next five games, which lifted City out of the relegation zone. A 2–2 home draw with third-placed
Liverpool on the final day of the season looked to have secured City's survival, but positive results and a greater goal difference for the two sides directly above them -
Coventry City and
Southampton - condemned the club to relegation after seven years in the top flight. ==Final league table==