Manchester United netted two goals in the last three minutes, intensifying the troubles of Premier League champions Manchester City with a 2-1 victory at the Etihad on December 15.
Match Recap: A Late United Surge
Man City has won only once in its last 11 matches, a stretch that includes eight losses.
Josko Gvardiol’s header in the first half had given Pep Guardiola’s team the lead.
However, United responded to secure only Ruben Amorim’s second victory in five league games since he assumed control last month.
Bruno Fernandes converted a penalty to equalize, and Amad Diallo scored the decisive goal from a tight angle in the closing moments of regular time.
Man City Struggles Continue, United Rise
City’s defeat keeps them in fifth place, nine points behind leaders Liverpool, who still have a game in hand.
Man United has risen to 12th place and is now just five points behind their city rivals.
The Red Devils will be looking for a thrilling win to serve as the foundation for Amorim to shift the momentum of a rivalry that City has largely controlled for the last ten years.
Tactical Decisions and Injury Concerns
Amorim took a daring decision prior to the start of the match, as both Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho were excluded from the United roster, with the Portuguese coach stating that “pays attention to everything”.
The manager of United might have regretted that decision as soon as the 12th minute when Mason Mount had to leave the field due to injury, which has plagued him since his transfer from Chelsea 18 months ago.
A lack of confidence from both parties was evident in a cautious beginning.
A Tight First Half and Missed Opportunities
Phil Foden made the first attempt on goal after 20 minutes with a volley that narrowly missed Andre Onana’s goal.
However, United’s defense during set pieces was a significant factor in their disappointing beginning under the new management.
For the third straight match in the Premier League, they allowed a goal from a corner as Kevin De Bruyne’s deflected cross sailed beautifully into Gvardiol’s path, enabling him to score with a header in the 36th minute.
A gradual buildup in the derby finally ignited moments later when Kyle Walker and Rasmus Hojlund clashed, resulting in both receiving yellow cards.
Foden scored twice in this matchup for City last season as they achieved an unparalleled fourth consecutive league title.
The England international’s poor performance and fitness issues have contributed to City’s difficulties this season.
Nevertheless, Foden appeared to regain his former form with a twisting run and a shot that narrowly missed the target after a deflection, bringing him close to extending City’s advantage before the break.
United failed to register a single shot on target during the opening half, and Amorim was becoming increasingly frustrated by his team’s lackluster performance with the ball as the second half began in a comparable fashion.
Second Half and Crucial Moments
A classic City team managed by Guardiola would have decisively defeated their rivals, but the English champions generated little of significance in the second half.
Diallo ultimately compelled Ederson to make a save with a header that the Brazilian redirected around the post at the one-hour mark.
Fernandes subsequently squandered a brilliant opportunity to level the score 15 minutes before the final whistle when his delicate touch over Ederson went wide with only the Brazilian to overcome.
Nonetheless, Man City was to contribute to their own demise.
Matheus Nunes brief backpass set up Diallo, who was subsequently brought down by the Portuguese midfielder in his attempt to make amends for the initial mistake.
Fernandes calmly directed the ball past Ederson to equalize the score this time.
City’s defense was finally breached by a straightforward long ball over the top from Lisandro Martinez, which Diallo sprinted after, evaded Ederson, and maintained his calm to score.
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