Manchester City 3-1 Manchester United - Phil Foden steals show as City come from behind to win in Premier League
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Updated 03/03/2024 at 20:50 GMT
It was a typically pulsating Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Two stunning strikes equalled themselves out as Phil Foden levelled in delightful fashion following Marcus Rashford's brilliant opener, and it was then the City fan favourite who went on to clinch the victory for the hosts with another inspired effort late in the second half while Erling Haaland added a third.
Erling Haaland of Manchester City celebrates scoring his team's third goal with team mate Phil Foden during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Manchester United at Etihad Stadium
Image credit: Getty Images
Phil Foden grabbed a brilliant brace and Erling Haaland was also on target as Manchester City closed the gap to leaders Liverpool with a 3-1 comeback victory over neighbours Manchester United at Etihad Stadium.
The Red Devils got off to a flyer on eight minutes when Marcus Rashford thundered a sensational 25-yard strike in off the crossbar. It was a timely riposte from the England forward, who had given an interview leading into the game in which he said of his critics: "If you back me, good. If you doubt me, even better."
City responded and were utterly dominant as they peppered the visiting goal, with only Haaland knowing how he volleyed over from three yards out on the stroke of half-time.
The pattern continued following the interval, however, and Foden dragged the champions level on 56 minutes with a rising 25-yard effort into the far corner.
United clung on desperately but were unlocked 10 minutes from time when Foden exchanged a one-two before gliding into the left side of the area and sliding a low finish beyond Andre Onana.
Haaland then rubbed salt in The Red Devils' wounds in stoppage time to make amends for his earlier miss of the season contender.
The result sees City maintain second spot and move to within a point of Liverpool, while United stay sixth and are 11 points adrift of fourth-placed Aston Villa.
City will now switch focus to the second leg of their UEFA Champions League last-16 tie at home to FC Copenhagen ahead of a crunch title clash at Liverpool next Sunday. United host Everton on Saturday.
Talking Point – Anfield calling as City kick off potentially decisive month in style
Manchester is blue yet again despite the best efforts of Rashford et al.
City took their time to finally unlock their neighbours, but in truth, the reigning champions were utterly dominant and the late surge of goals ensures the key period in March begins on a positive note.
Indeed, it's one down with two to go in terms of the league this month, with all eyes switching to Anfield next Sunday with just a point separating the top two as it stands.
Arsenal will no doubt have something to say about it being a potential title decider, but for many the outcome of the clash on March 10 in L4 has been seen as crucial in determining the destination of this season’s trophy for quite some time now.
Should City come away with the result they want then they will host Arsenal in another significant showdown on March 31, with the Citizens looking firmly in the mood to burst the bubble of observers keen to see the three-way tussle for the title go the distance.
Player of the Match - Phil Foden (Man City)
Haaland and Kevin de Bruyne are often the focus of the headlines, but this season Foden has emerged as just as important to City’s push on all fronts. The England forward was vibrant throughout, dragging his team level with a moment of individual genius before an ice-cold finish got the crucial second of the evening.
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Phil Foden of Manchester City interacts with Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City, after being substituted during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Manchester United at Etihad Stadium on March 03, 2024 in Manchester, England.
Image credit: Getty Images
Player Ratings
Man City: Ederson 7, Walker 8, Dias 7, Stones 7, Ake 7, Rodri 8, Bernardo Silva 7, Doku 7, De Bruyne 7, Foden 9, Haaland 7. Subs: Alvarez 7, Bobb n/a.
Man Utd: Onana 8, Lindelof 7, Dalot 8, Varane 8, Evans 7, Casemiro 7, Mainoo 7, McTominay 7, Fernandes 7, Garnacho 7, Rashford 7. Subs: Kambwala 6, Antony 6, Amrabat n/a, Forson n/a.
Match Highlights
8’ – GOAL! Man City 0-1 Man Utd (Rashford): What a hit! Rashford stuns the Etihad with a sensational 25-yard drive that crashes in off the underside of the bar.
18’ – MAN UTD CHANCE! That's a golden opening for United. There's a slip on halfway by Dias that allows Fernandes to flick into Rashford's path. He's got a clear run on goal but can't head it under control and Walker gets back to snuff out the danger.
19’ – MAN CITY CHANCE! Foden is sent rampaging clear. Varane can't get back but Onana storms off his line to make a vital one-on-one block.
45’ – MAN CITY CHANCE! That’s a miss of the season contender right there. Haaland somehow contrives to volley over from three yards out after Foden had put in on a plate for the Norwegian with a clever header into the middle.
56’ – GOAL! Man City 1-1 Man Utd (Foden): It's another wonderful goal. Foden jinks past Lindelof and rifles a rising strike into the far corner.
80’ – GOAL! Man City 2-1 Man Utd (Foden): He's at the double! It's Foden again as he plays a 1-2 and darts into the left side of the box before squeezing a low shot beyond Onana.
90+1’ – GOAL! Man City 3-1 Man Utd (Haaland): It's all over. Haaland slots a low shot into the far corner after Rodri robbed Amrabat deep inside his own half.
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