Goalkeeping errors gifted Manchester United a deserved 2-0 win over Manchester City at the Old Trafford stadium, thanks to goals from Anthony Martial and Scott McTominay.
Ederson Moraes, City’s goal keeper, allowed Martial’s shot in at the near post while he also gifted McTominay the ball in the final seconds of the encounter to seal the victory, much to the delight of the fans and especially Sir Alex Ferguson, who jubilated wildly in the VIP section.
It was the first time United would be completing a league double over City since Sir Alex managed the feat in the 2009/10 season — ten years ago.
The win is also the Red Devils’ third over City this season. It makes it ten games unbeaten for United while seven of them were since Odion Ighalo — who had an eight-minute cameo appearance in the game — signed for the club.
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The defeat also means Pep Guardiola suffered his seventh loss of the season — his highest as a manger in any league.
Guardiola’s City, without injured Kevin de Bruyne, where short of ideas and did not play with their usual swagger, despite hugging over 70% possession.
The Citizens forced the first opportunity of the game, with David de Gea smartly diverting Raheem Sterling’s low shot in a dominant first 20 minutes.
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Ole Gunnar Soslkjaer’s United started the game with five defenders while creativity was supplied by Bruno Fernandes to Anthony Martial, who took the lead on the half hour mark.
United won a free kick and Fernandes expertly flicked the ball to Martial and the Frenchman’s weak shot found its way through the keeper’s body to squirm into the net.
The match was not without controversy with the VAR system’s intervention.
United thought they should have been awarded a penalty for a foul by Nicolas Otamendi on Fred, while Sergio Aguero’s goals was chalked off due to offside, much to the consternation of both teams.
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Despite improvements from City in the second period without much luck, it was the home side who doubled their lead when Ederson’s quick throw from the edge of his area could only find McTominay, and the Scottish international’s 35-yard shot found the back of an unguarded net.
Manchester United, with the win, climbed to fifth on the EPL log, three points behind Chelsea with nine games left in the season, while City’s loss means Liverpool can win the league with two more wins.
RESULTS
Chelsea 4-0 Everton
Manchester United 2-0 Manchester City
Liverpool 2-1 Bournemouth
Arsenal 1-0 West Ham United
Crystal Palace 1-0 Watford
Sheffield United 1-0 Norwich City
Wolves 0-0 Brighton
Southampton 0-1 Newcastle United
Burnley 1-1 Tottenham
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