Tuesday, 11 December 2012

Man City 2 - 3 Man Utd


Van pierces City's wall

Ruthless Robin & Scared Samir - RVP gets the winner late on
Written by Yani Ourad

Van Persie's stoppage time winner earns Man Utd a vital win in a dramatic derby at the Etihad which saw Man City's unbeaten home run end, stretching all the way back to their 2-1 defeat to Everton in December 2010.

Man City controlled the game for the first quarter until Man Utd hit their rivals on the counter attack. Great link up play between Van Persie and Young on the left, Rooney with the clever shot neatly placed into the corner of the net, wrong-footing Joe Hart. This made it a landmark 150 goals for the England International and taking his tally to a record 10 derby goals.

It was a game between the best attack versus the best defence. However with Kompany having to come off with a groin injury, on came surprisingly Kolo Touré, instead of the fans' preferred choice Lescott. Without their captain, City looked vulnerable at the back, notably with Man Utd’s attacking width.
Clinical - Wayne finishes smartly to put Utd ahead

Now the Red Devils had momentum, great link up on the right flank this time - Valencia and Rafael exchanging passes before Rooney doubled their lead with a cool finish to Hart's right yet again. The England international’s two first-half goals certifying Man Utd went into the dressing room with a comfortable lead, leaving Mancini food for thought.

City did have their chances however, both Agüero and Barry coming close but nothing threatening. City were undone in the first half by clinical finishing and this proved as half-time statistics showed the visitors had only 2 shots on target; both goals. 

It was a pivotal 45 minutes to follow for Mancini and his men in the title race as a loss would see Man Utd move 6 points clear at the top. 

Before the game there was controversy with Mancini's selection, choosing Balotelli ahead of Tevez. His decision was not rewarded, he made no impact on the game and it came as no surprise with his substitution after Mancini had seen enough of his antics, prompting questions about his future at the club.
Not so super - Balotelli  had a poor game 


The second half began and the visitors came close to a third, Van Persie with a beautiful curling shot deflected off the post into Ashley Young's path, who although slotted home, was controversially ruled off for offside. Seconds later, City were on the counter attack, Tevez's shot well saved, then De Gea brilliantly again to deny David Silva with the follow up. However, with luck seemingly not on their side, Tevez found Yaya Touré who pulled one back for his side with a replica of Rooney's goal.

The atmosphere was roaring, the champions sensed an equaliser and they came so close in the 79th minute but only De Gea's shoulder and the woodwork stood in David Silva's way.

Finally, City's fans' prayers were answered and the equaliser came in the 85th minute when United's clearance fell to an unmarked Zabaleta who smashed home from 12 yards; bring on the finale.
Pablo's punch - Zabaleta equalises for City late on

City turned up the heat in stoppage time, but it was United who had the last word. Tevez brought down Rafael and up stepped Man United's £24 million signing Van Persie to curl his free-kick, with the help of Nasri, beyond the stretching Joe Hart. It was a shame ugly scenes marred a spectacular derby. Rio Ferdinand suffering a cut eye as he appeared to be struck by an object thrown during the celebrations.
United just about see out victory -  Despite Rio's eye assault 

                                   
Nevertheless, the incident cannot overshadow the magnificent game that was. Credit to City though, for their durability and resilience as they fought back and almost snatched all three points, but it was the brilliance of Man Utd's attacking line that won the game for them. 

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