Manchester United ended their rivals’ long winning streak with an away win at the Etihad. Bruno Fernandes’ penalty and Luke Shaw’s precise finish gifted the red side of Manchester a 2-0 win that not many were expecting…
As we headed towards this fixture, it seemed obvious that City were the side to have your money on. Over 20 wins in a row made the league leaders the favourites to win the derby. Pep Guardiola’s side had looked unbeatable in their matches prior to this one, particularly against Wolves last week, who came the closest to challenging The Blues in recent weeks. Wolves found themselves a goal down, yet they equalized. It was in vain, though, as City swiftly reminded them who was the superior side as they netted three goals in quick succession.
United weren’t to be overlooked, though. They may not be too close to their rivals in terms of points, but their away record in the league stands for itself. They’re a side that’s difficult to beat when they play away from Old Trafford.
An hour before kick off and the teams were in. City’s rotation continued, with Phil Foden finding himself on the bench. The home side lined up with ball-playing goalkeeper Ederson, as you’d expect. In front of him was his solid partnership of Dias and Stones. This alone would provide United with a challenge, as these two had been defensively sound coming into the fixture. Whenever City play there’s a myriad of big names in the side and the derby proved no different: Sterling, Gundogan, De Bruyne and Jesus all started.
As for United, they used Dean Henderson in goal, a man who hasn’t had nearly the same game time in the league as he did last season. The big name at the back for United was Luke Shaw, whose season has been remarkable thus far. It was pretty much as you’d expect for United lining up: Fernandes, Rashford and Martial all started, looking to cause City some problems…
The game kicked off and an early break left Anthony Martial with the ball in the City box. He seemed surrounded as he ran in from the left, but nobody challenged him, until striker Gabriel Jesus brought him down. An easy penalty decision for the referee which left spectators wondering why on earth Jesus felt it necessary to bring him down. Nonetheless it was a spot kick and Bruno Fernandes stepped up and slotted it into the bottom corner, though Ederson did get a hand to it. 1-0 to United within 2 minutes…
The rest of the first half played out like a chess match as both sides looked to score. Half time rolled around and it was 1-0 to the visitors.
In the second half, it was evident that Luke Shaw was the man for United. The left back seemed to control the pressing for United and the rest followed his lead. They started the second 45 minutes in similar hungry fashion to the first. It took 5 minutes for United to capitalize once more and it was the man Luke Shaw who got the goal. He struck a precise effort from the left-hand side of the box directly into the bottom right corner, leaving Ederson bewildered. 2-0.
City would go on to dominate much of the possession but had little else going for them. Any questions they had, Dean Henderson had the answers for. United weren’t going to let City back into this one.
The game played out and finished 2-0 to United, ending City’s remarkable winning streak.
It looks pretty certain that City will go on to win this league now, but United can now attempt to distance themselves from those below them.
MC 