Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink's boots were officially confirmed to be golden as the Dutchman's 23rd league goal of the season ensured that Claudio Ranieri's introduction to English football can be considered at least a partial success.
The Chelsea striker's typically forceful 62nd-minute winner secured his club's place in next season's Uefa Cup, no mean feat given the turmoil that has enveloped Stamford Bridge for much of the campaign. But while for Chelsea and their cosmopolitan ranks, Europe beckons; for Manchester City, it is the prospect of visits to Rotherham and Grimsby, as a 12th defeat in 19 home league games explained, if any explanation were needed, why Joe Royle's team are heading back from whence they came.
To add to the malaise around Maine Road, the Football Association are certain to want to explore events on the final whistle when thousands of supporters invaded the pitch, ripped up sections of turf and entered the Chelsea enclosure to provoke violence. Prior to kick-off, the club had unveiled a banner declaring the same supporters the 'best fans in all the world'. After six arrests, the FA may not share that sentiment.
'No doubt the referee will include something in his report about it and the FA will certainly ask us for our observations,' said City director Chris Bird. 'It is always disappointing when fans encroach on the pitch but tensions were high and spirits were high with it being the last game of the season.
'The tradition here is that fans have come on to the pitch to celebrate after the last game of the season. Unfortunately there were a few skirmishes reported.'
Those skirmishes were preceded by a number on the field, primarily between City's combative Paul Dickov and Dennis Wise, the pair being booked in the 22nd minute, a fate that also befell Hasselbaink for an appalling foul on the knee of Jeff Whitley, taken off on a stretcher as a result.
All of which understand ably angered Royle, although even he had to bow to the sublime performance of Gianfranco Zola. 'Zola was a credit to the game,' said Royle. 'There might be one or two other niggly players in their side but you have to say Zola's a treat. He plays the game the way it should be played.' That included splitting the City defence in the 62nd minute for Hasselbaink to take one touch and bury an impressive right-foot strike past Carlo Nash from 20 yards, so guaranteeing his place atop the goalscoring table.
A similarly fine strike from Wise had opened the scoring after 20 minutes, a goal equalised by Steve Howey's header from Mark Kennedy's corner late in the half. The second half brought City no fortune - two strong penalty appeals were rejected to Royle's disgust - but did provide a final harsh lesson about the realities of life in the Premiership where there is still no substitute for ability.
