The 2000-01 campaign delivered a devastating blow for Manchester City as The Citizens spectacularly fell to 18th place in the Premier League, resulting in immediate relegation back to the First Division after just one season in the top flight. Leading the charge in the league was the Costa Rican forward Paulo Wanchope, whose 9 goals proved crucial in a campaign built on a disastrous mid-season slump that saw manager Joe Royle ultimately dismissed. It was a turbulent year that marked the end of an era and remains a painful but defining chapter in the club's history.