Manchester City completed the double over cross-town rivals Manchester United after rallying from behind to secure a 3-1 win on Sunday evening.
Premier League
Result: Manchester City 3-1 Manchester United
Date: 03 March 2024
Venue: Etihad Stadium
Man City made five changes to side that hammered Luton Town in the FA Cup, as goalkeeper Ederson, Rodri, Jeremy Doku, Phil Foden and Ruben Dias were recalled.
Man United, on the other hand, only made two changes, as Jonny Evans and Kobbie Mainoo were brought back while Scott McTominay was moved to an unfamiliar left-back position.
The Red Devils had a cracking start after Marcus Rashford sent ahead on eight minutes with a sensational volley that went in off the crossbar after he was setup by Bruno Fernandes.
The game opened up after that and Foden had a big chance on 19 minutes after he was sent through on goal by Kevin De Bruyne but fired his shot straight at goalkeeper Andre Onana in a one-on-one.
Pep Guardiola's charges completely suffocated United after that and Erling Haaland had a big opportunity just after the half-hour mark with a free header in the box that sailed over the crossbar.
City continued on the ascendancy and Haaland should have levelled matters on the stroke of half-time after a square pass by Doku needed a close-range finish but he somehow hooked his shot over the crossbar.
The Citizens, after a bright start in the second stanza, were finally clinical in front of goal after 11 minutes later Foden levelled matters with a pile-driver into the top corner.
Man United retreated into their own half after that as they allowed Guardiola's men to have the attacking initiative, although the Red Devils were not giving away chances in the last third.
Erik ten Hag's troops, however, paid the price for giving Man City momentum as Foden gave the hosts the lead and completed his brace ten minutes before time with a low diagonal strike that found the bottom corner after he dribbled his way into the box.
United could not get out of their own half and Haaland eventually sealed the three points for City in stoppage time with a low curler past Onana in a one-on-one after a through ball by Rodri.
The Citizens remained just one point behind leaders Liverpool in second spot on the table.
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