Phil Foden scored a brace as Manchester City came from behind to beat city rivals Manchester United 3-1 at the Etihad Stadium.
Action: The Manchester derby started in a typical fashion, with Manchester City controlling possession while Manchester United looked to capitalise on counter-attacks.
The breakthrough came eight minutes into the game when, in a swift counter-attack, Andre Onana caught a cross and initiated a long ball down the pitch.
Bruno Fernandes held up the play and passed it back to Marcus Rashford, who from 25 yards out unleashed a powerful first-time shot that thundered into the net off the underside of the bar.
Following that, City intensified their pressure, and Onana made two crucial saves to thwart Phil Foden's attempts to level the score. One of these saves came as Foden found himself in acres of space on the right, but the Cameroon shot-topper made a big save to deny the City player.
Around the half-hour mark, Onana made another impressive save to deny Rodri.
Just before half-time, City had a golden opportunity to equalise when Foden delivered a header across the face of the goal, presenting a perfect chance to tap it home, but somehow Erling Haaland incredibly missed an absolute sitter.
The Citizens managed to level 10 minutes into the second half with a worldie when Foden drifted inside Victor Lindelof and unleashed a powerful effort into the top corner.
The game maintained the same pattern for the following 20 minutes, but this time, City did not create many clear chances.
In the 80th minute, the comeback was completed when Julian Alvarez brilliantly combined with Phil Foden, and the Stockport-born player fired low across Onana and into the far corner.
In the first minute of added time, the hosts added a third to confirm the victory and put the game beyond reach for the visitors.
Substitute Sofyan Amrabat got dispossessed at the edge of the box by Rodri and the Spaniard set up Haaland, who made no mistake in front of Onana.
Big Picture: With this result, City remain in the second position, closing the gap to within one point of Liverpool in the standings, while the Red Devils maintain the sixth position but is 11 points behind the fourth-placed Aston Villa.
Next up, Pep Guardiola's men will shift their attention to the second leg of the UEFA Champions League Last 16 tie at home against FC Copenhagen before a crucial title clash against Liverpool at Anfield next Sunday. On the other hand, United is set to host Everton on Saturday.
xG: Man City (3.65) 3-1 (0.27) Man Utd
3-1 | ||
Phil Foden 56' 80' Erling Haaland 90' | Marcus Rashford 8' |
