In the 223rd fixture between these sides, it was the blue half of Manchester that came out with flying colours. Putting a forgetful week behind their back in which they lost 2 in a row, Manuel Pelligrini men made the most of their opportunity to return to center stage. Manchester United, on the other hand, were not easy to be defeated unlike the last fixture that happened between both these sides at this ground.
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Here are the 5 things we learnt from this particular fixture:
One moment of stupidity settled the match
As they say you sow what you reap, same was the case with the Englishman Chris Smalling whose mistake cost Manchester United a tight finale. While the 2nd tackle could be justified in which he took out Zabaleta, the first moment of madness from Smalling in which he stood infront of his National keeper obstructing the ball left the referee with no choice but to give him a yellow. As a result, an individual mistake made the whole Manchester United team pay.
Aguero number 1 enemy
While Aguero is far from becoming the highest goal scorer in this particular fixture, still the Argentine’s mere name might have caused riots outside the Etihad in United camp. The way he performed before and after the red card before slotting the ball home epitomizes the fact why the Dubai based ownership of Manchester City rate him so highly. And as his recent form suggests along with his ever growing cool behavior, the striker has shrugged off any injury fears and is ready to fight with the likes of Costa for the number 1 striker spot.
City can defend!
Although four months from now this question might not even have surfaced, but this is the story for City so far this season as the reigning Champions have been unable to keep out goals. However, with the introduction of Demichellis in place of Mangala and an accidental inclusion of Clichy due to a Kolarov injury just before the match, City were the better team both in defense and attack today. And as been the case for the recent years, Vincent Kompany was always the torch-bearer for Manchester City defense today.
United are no rollovers
While this has been a day to forget for REDS’ fans as the noisy neigbors stunned them for the 4th successive time, still they can take heart from the performance their team eclipsed after going down. This was never going to be an easy fixture for the red devils and the red card for Smalling certainly didn’t helped the matter, but looking at the defense line with a 19 year old Mcnair and a relatively naïve defender Carrick in it, United did very well to limit the gap in score-line.
Injury crisis deepens
Manchester United started the match with the most bruised team in the Premier League and the match didn’t help matters. With Marcos Rojo being injured with a dislocated shoulder and Radamel Falcao still out for long along with the likes of Phil Jones and Ashley Young, Manchester United might field their 2nd fiddle team second Crystal Palace next week. However, as Mcnair returned today from hamstring injury one week ahead of schedule, there are small positives for United in this case.
Amir Bashir follow him on Twitter.
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