With the help of two splendid goals from Phil Foden, Manchester City managed to stage a comeback and defeat Manchester United 3-1 after falling behind by a goal. City found themselves trailing after eight minutes, contrary to the flow of the game, due to Marcus Rashford’s goal, and spent the next 50 minutes or more trying to find a way past United’s backline.
In Short
However, Foden leveled the score with a fantastic goal from 20 yards out in the 56th minute, then added another delightful goal just ten minutes before the end of regular time.
Following Rodrigo’s excellent work, Erling Haaland secured the victory with a clinical finish, putting Manchester City one point behind league leaders Liverpool.
What happened?
The match started like an express train, with early minutes full of intensity. As soon as there was a clash between Casemiro and John Stones, demands for a penalty ensued, but it wasn’t given due to United’s resilience. However, as it sometimes happens, a team can switch momentum after a bit of a scuffle and find themselves scoring with their first shot on target.
Top bins! 🗑️@PhilFoden ✨ pic.twitter.com/1jtRexboiB
— Manchester City (@ManCity) March 3, 2024
United’s early Lead
United, clearly contemplating playing on the counter, surged forward, with Bruno Fernandes surpassing Marcus Rashford, who drove a powerful shot underneath the crossbar to give the hosts the lead in the eighth minute. Rashford seemed poised to score as he dashed towards the goal, but Kyle Walker made enough effort to unsettle the United forward and avert the danger.
Manchester City attempted an immediate response, and when Phil Foden attempted a clear run in the 19th minute, but André Onana stood tall and saved his shot. The rest of the half was an odd affair for Manchester City, with City attacking nonstop but failing to find a way past United’s unwavering defense.
Manchester City’s failed attempts
Some crosses were highly anticipated, yet seldom did any find a City head. And then, amidst Haaland’s flawed attempts, an astonishing mistake occurred as the ball was misplaced into the box, Foden capitalized on it, pushing it towards the goal, and the Norwegian, faced with an open net, chose to volley the ball, lifting his shot over the bar.
As halftime approached, Manchester City fans were left wondering if the ball would ever find the net behind United’s goalkeeper. Certainly, if the game continued in this manner, City’s 18-2 shot ratio would eventually yield one, possibly two goals? After the restart, it was again a one-way traffic, with the Reds thwarting attacks after attacks by City’s rear guard.
City’s Comeback
It felt like it would take a deflected shot, a slice of luck, or a scream from the shot for the score to be leveled – and finally, after 56 minutes, Foden’s curling shot defeated Onana.
Loves a goal against United ‘R Phil! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/WgxXOfrvVX
— Manchester City (@ManCity) March 3, 2024
The English star drove towards United’s box, shifted onto his left foot, and placed a shot in the upper left corner of the net, leaving Onana helpless and making the game thrilling once again. It was a goal worthy of winning a match and made the final third of the game enthralling.
Manchester City pressed on and further intensified the game, with United almost permanently camped in their own box. Chances came and went, but it was imperative for the Blues to convert one amidst the constant pressure, and when Foden found Alvaro’s pass, he took on the challenge and placed a low shot past Onana to send Etihad into a frenzy.
Rounding off the victory with his SIXTH derby day goal! 💫@ErlingHaaland 👏 pic.twitter.com/2sIxWKed1I
— Manchester City (@ManCity) March 3, 2024
The Blues controlled those minutes that remained comfortable, and when United faced pressure on their defense, Rodrigo seized control, played the ball into Haaland’s path, and the Norwegian slotted the ball home to conclude the game as a competition.
Man of the Match: Foden
A stellar performance by a City player at the top of his game, showcasing industry, skill, and overall effort. He was determined that this game wouldn’t end in defeat for the Blues and his two goals were of exceptional quality.
A match-winner in every sense of the word, but special mention goes to captain Kyle Walker, who was excellent from start to finish.
Also Read : “Manchester City’s FA Cup Triumph – Erling Haaland Scores Five in 6-2 Victory over Luton Town!”
What comes next?
On Wednesday night, City will make their way back to Etihad Stadium to play FC Copenhagen in the second leg of our Round of 16 Champions League match.
The Blues lead 3-1 overall, and the game kicks off at 20:00 (UK time).
Then it’s a trip to Anfield next Sunday, March 10th, for a game against Liverpool with a 15:45 kick-off, which is bound to have a bearing on the Premier League title race.
