Top 50 football photos of 2012 - Part 1

by Ollie Irish

As part of ITV Football's review of the year, we present 50 of the most striking images of the beautiful game, in two parts. Here's part one…

January: Arsenal legend Thierry Henry celebrates a comeback goal against Leeds in the FA Cup. Credit: PA
January: A crowd scene in the box, Crystal Palace v Cardiff City. Credit: PA
January: Darlington fans collect money to help save the ailing club. Credit: PA
January: A Niger fan supports his team at the 2012 African Cup of Nations. Credit: PA
February: riot police clash with Egyptian fans in Port Said. Credit: PA
February: Stoke City take on Sunderland at a snowy Britannia Stadium. Credit: PA
February: Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic is fouled by Man Utd winger Ashley Young. Credit: PA
February: the Anfield cat, famous for 15 minutes. Credit: PA
February: Zambia celebrate a famous win in the African Cup of Nations final against favourites Ivory Coast. Credit: PA
February: a samba performer at Rio's carnival wears a giant Ronaldo costume. Credit: PA
February: Napoli striker Edinson Cavani celebrates scoring against Chelsea in the Champions League. Credit: PA
February: Steven Gerrard takes off his League Cup winner's medal after the Reds beat Cardiff in the final. Credit: PA
March: Marseille's Brazilian forward Brandao jumps for joy after scoring against Inter in the Champions League. Credit: PA
March: Sunderland youngster James McClean enjoyed his goal against QPR at the Stadium of Light. Credit: PA
April: Man City boss Roberto Mancini enjoys some shut-eye at Carrow Road. Credit: PA
April: Bayern star Franck Ribery celebrates and is mirrored by team-mate Bastian Schweinsteiger. Credit: PA
April: Chelsea defender Gary 'jazz hands' Cahill in the thick of it against Barcelona. Credit: PA
April: Bayern Munich players win a Champions League shootout against Real Madrid. Credit: PA
April: Kyle Walker and Robin Van Persie, your PFA Young Player and Player of the Year for last season. Credit: PA
May: Newcastle Papiss Cisse leaps in celebration after his wonder goal at Chelsea. Credit: PA
May: miracle man Fabrice Muamba wipes away a tear on his emotional return to Bolton's Reebok Stadium. Credit: PA
May: Didier Drogba slides for joy after scoring against Liverpool in the FA Cup Final. Credit: PA
May: Man City boss Roberto Mancini and his coaching staff in raptures as Kun Agero wins them the title. Credit: PA
May: Chelsea players endure the pain – and later the joy – of a Champions League final shootout in Munich. Credit: PA
May: John Terry with his Champions League winner's medal (Terry didn't play in the final). Credit: PA