Former Manchester City great Joe Corrigan believes Manuel Pellegrini’s Capital One Cup winner’s cannot be compared with his legendary 1976 League Cup-winning side.
Corrigan, who was in net for City’s last cup win 38 years ago, has seen the goal posts move in the last few decades.
And he refused to be drawn on whether the greats from the seventies could take on their modern-day counterparts.
“I personally don’t believe in comparing sides. It’s completely different,” said the 65-year-old.
“The game’s evolved. For a start, it’s a lot quicker today.
“We won the cup, they won the cup. As long as it’s for the club and the fans, that’s what matters.”
Two wonder strikes in the space of a minute from Yaya Toure and Samir Nasri sparked a rapid turnaround after a spirited Sunderland performance saw Gus Poyet’s side lead through an early Fabio Borini strike.
A late breakaway goal from substitute Jesus Navas clinched the trophy for the Premier League high-fliers.
Corrigan put the comeback down to more urgency in the Blues’ frontline, which had rarely troubled the Mackems’ defence in the opening half.
“I enjoyed the second half once City came out of their shell and attacked with more pace,” said Corrigan.
“I felt the first half was quite a poor one but Sunderland took the first goal well.
“It was a battle.”
City had not forgotten about their former heroes and the remaining members of 1976 squad were reunited on the famous Wembley turf before kick-off.
Corrigan said: “We went on the pitch before the game in front of the City fans. I had a fantastic day.”
In another tribute, the sole deceased member of the squad, captain Mike Doyle, was honoured with a co-ordinated chant of ‘there’s only one Mike Doyle’ and his image appeared on the screens at the national stadium.
Image courtesy of ESPN, via Youtube, with thanks
