Sven-Goran Eriksson's anticipated final match in charge of Manchester City ended in humiliation as his 10 men lost 8-1 at Middlesbrough.
The Swede has guided the club to ninth in the Premier League and a likely place in the UEFA Cup via the Fair Play League.
But that does not appear enough to save his job, especially after Boro ran in eight goals including a hat-trick from Afonso Alves.
Stewart Downing fired home a 16th-minute penalty after Richard Dunne was sent off for bringing down Tuncay Sanli and Alves slotted home the second on 37 minutes.
A superb volley with the outside of his left foot from Downing, another from Alves, a deflected effort from Adam Johnson, Fabio Rochemback's 30-yard free-kick and a goal from Jeremie Aliadiere were followed by a consolation for Elano before Alves completed his treble.