Tottenham Hotspur plundered three goals in seven minutes to stun defending champions Manchester City 3-1 on Sunday and leave Manchester United on the brink of the Premier League title.
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Samir Nasri had given City a fifth-minute lead at White Hart Lane, but Clint Dempsey equalised with 15 minutes to play before substitute Jermain Defoe and Gareth Bale netted to complete a rousing comeback.
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As well as revitalising Spurs' hopes of Champions League qualification, the result means that United can secure a 20th league crown if they win at home to Aston Villa on Monday.
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"We had everything in order. It is strange. It is not a correct result, but congratulations to Tottenham for the win," City manager Roberto Mancini told Sky Sports.
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"The championship was finished three or four weeks ago. Manchester United deserved to win it.
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"I think it is important to win as many of our five remaining games, and win the FA Cup final."
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Spurs' victory left Andre Villas-Boas' side level on 61 points with Chelsea, who occupy the fourth and final Champions League berth, and two points below third-place Arsenal with a game in hand.
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Chelsea are in action later on Sunday when interim manager Rafael Benitez returns to former club Liverpool for the first time.
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"The gaffer (manager) told me to move out wide and it worked out well. Our opening goal gave us and the crowd belief," said Bale.
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"We showed our character. The club is moving forward every year. The players want to play in the Champions League, and we showed that today."
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Tottenham recalled Bale after an ankle injury and the hosts started the game in positive fashion, but it was City who drew first blood.
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Carlos Tevez's deft pass released James Milner and from the Englishman's cross, Nasri steered a volley past the lunge of defender Kyle Walker on the Spurs goal-line.
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City goalkeeper Joe Hart had to spread himself to prevent Walker from equalising, but City continued to carry a threat in attack.
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Nasri poked the ball wide after being freed by an adroit cushioned pass from Tevez, who then drew a reflex save from Spurs goalkeeper Hugo Lloris with a close-range header.
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Dempsey headed over for Spurs shortly before halftime, but the American was in the right place to tap home in the 75th minute after Bale threaded a glorious cross into the box with the outside of his left foot.
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Defoe put Spurs ahead four minutes later, jinking inside Vincent Kompany and lashing a shot into the bottom-right corner, before Bale added a third with a cool, chipped finish in the 82nd minute.
l was amazed by Spurs' comeback, 3 goals in 15 minutes. That's why English football is rated the best league in the world, because the never say dies spirit of the teams.