Gundogan: ‘Only winning the World Cup’ could surpass City title drama

In five quite epic, extraordinary minutes back in May, Ilkay Gundogan left an indelible mark in Manchester City’s history.

For a player who suffered an injury-riddled start at the club in 2016, leaving some supporters to later question his worth, fate determined his heroic contribution would provide the perfect riposte to any critic.

At 2-0 down at home to Aston Villa in the final game of last season with 14 minutes left and the Premier League title heading to Liverpool, substitute Gundogan made an unforgettable impact.

The midfielder’s two goals in the 76th and 81st minutes came either side of a 78th-minute Rodri strike and clinched City’s fourth championship in the past five seasons.

The gut-wrenching drama evoked memories of Sergio Aguero’s injury-time goal that saw City claim the title a decade ago with a 3-2 victory over QPR at the Etihad.

But Gundogan, who then replaced Fernandinho as captain in August, says: “Even though I lived my two goals, I think no-one can ever reach that Aguero moment, I really don’t think so…it was crazy.

“I had no connection to the club back then when it happened, but seeing that goal, even today, was unbelievable.

“But the way it happened last season, 2-0 down and coming back to turn things around in those few minutes, I’m not sure if it will ever happen again in such a dramatic way.

“It’s nice for me to be remembered for this. I also feel it’s destiny when things like this happen.

“Sooner or later you will be regarded for the good you are doing, not just in football, also in life.

“I remember Raheem Sterling, he probably was in a similar situation last season, maybe didn’t feel as appreciated from his environment.

“And I remember after scoring the second goal, he said to me,