March 03, (THEWILL)- Manchester City rallied from behind to earn a 3-1 victory over their cross-town rivals, Manchester United, in a pulsating English Premier League clash at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday. The win marked City’s sixth triumph in their last seven Manchester derbies and kept them in hot pursuit of league leaders Liverpool.
The hosts applied relentless pressure from the outset, with Kevin De Bruyne orchestrating the attack. However, it was United who drew first blood against the run of play. Marcus Rashford, silencing his recent critics, latched onto a long ball from Andre Onana, which Bruno Fernandes supplied to him, to unleash a fierce strike that nestled into the top corner, giving the Red Devils a surprise lead.
Despite falling behind, City continued to dominate possession and create chances. United goalkeeper Andre Onana proved to be a formidable presence between the sticks, denying Phil Foden in a one-on-one situation and pushing Rodri’s dipping volley around the post. On the cusp of half-time, Erling Haaland, the hero of Tuesday’s five-goal haul, uncharacteristically missed a gilt-edged opportunity to level the scores.
City’s perseverance paid off early in the second half when Phil Foden equalised with a stunning left-footed strike. The England international’s goal came amidst protests from United manager Erik ten Hag, who believed that Marcus Rashford had been fouled in the buildup. Ten Hag’s animated remonstrations earned him a booking from the referee.
As the clock ticked down, City’s pressure finally told. With just 10 minutes remaining, Phil Foden, once again, found the back of the net, this time with a clinical finish following a slick interchange with substitute Julian Alvarez. It was a repetition of Foden’s heroics against United last season. Haaland put the result beyond doubt, adding a third goal in stoppage time to seal a crucial victory for the Cityzens.
The win extends Manchester City’s unbeaten home run to an impressive 36 games (W31, D5) and cuts Liverpool’s lead at the summit of the Premier League to a solitary point. For United, the defeat brings an end to their six-match winning streak on the road, their longest such run in five years, and leaves them in sixth place.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
