Manchester Derby ended with a surprising win of the guests, Manchester United, who stunned the reigning champs and got away with a 1-2. Manchester City practically lost all the chances to remain in the title race with Liverpool as they now have 14 points fewer than Jurgen Klopp’s machinery.
But what cast a shadow on this excellent and exciting game were alleged racial slurs used by City’s fans. They would insult United’s Fred during his preparations to take the corner kick. It was the main topic following the game, which was one of the best in the Premier League in the last two months.
“We are still in a backward society,” Fred said. “Unfortunately, this is happening in some stadiums. It happened here; it happened in Ukraine with some friends.
As for the game, City was better, and started more aggressive, pressuring the Red Devils immediately on their own half. However, it opened up possibilities for counter-attacks, and although they looked inferior, United had better chances than their hated enemies. If it weren’t for Ederson, the guests would reach the lead after just a few minutes into the event.
Marcus Rashford was instrumental in this one, and the member of the English national team harrassed the home team’s defense throughout the entire event. He forced Bernardo Silva to make a tackle on him in the box, which was immediately called for a penalty. Rashford himself was the executor, easily beating the Brazilian goalkeeper. Just six minutes later (29th), Anthony Martial and Daniel James outplayed the entire City defense, with the French forward firing a rocket which deflected off the post and into the net.
In those moments, the reigning champs looked like a broken army. Simply there was no cure for United’s pacey attack.
“They are so fast, so quick, and sometimes when you lose the ball it is more difficult. We tried, we got to the last third many, many times and they can run. Maybe a bit more than usual,” Pep Guardiola said.
His Sky-Blues came out even more aggressive in the second half, but there was no way for them to threaten De Gea. The lack of composure was lethal this Saturday for the Citizens. Nicolas Otamendi decreased the result, five minutes before the end, giving some hope to the hosts, but it wasn’t enough for at least one point.
United was clinical today, and their players were finally looking as they should, precise, fast, and above all, lethal.
“We will remember this one – we look so dangerous when we get he ball and go forward against arguably the best team in the world,” said Ole Gunnar Solskjaer following the event.
His team now has a Europa League challenge against AZ Alkmaar at home, which will determine who wins the first place in their group. Both sides already secured the spot in the knockout stage. Regarding EPL, the next opponent is Everton.
Meanwhile, City heads for Croatia. They will clash with Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League, and after that, meet Arsenal on Sunday in the Premiership.
