[ad_1]
Bruno Fernandes. (Photo by Ash Donelon / Manchester United via Getty Images)
(Photo by Ash Donelon / Manchester United via Getty
Manchester United ended Manchester City’s record 21-match winning streak in the English top flight in all competitions with a 2-0 derby win at the Etihad on Sunday.
Bruno fernandes An early penalty and Luke Shaw’s first Premier League goal in three years pushed United into second place, 11 points behind runaway leaders City.
HOW IT HAPPENED | Man City 0-2 Man United
A historic victory for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men has almost certainly come too late to reignite the race for the Premier League title.
But just a third win in nine league games brings United back above Leicester and opens up an eight-point cushion in the battle to secure a top-four result.
City had not even been behind in a Premier League match for 20 matches since their last loss to Tottenham in November.
However, the visitors gained the upper hand after just 34 seconds when Gabriel Jesus’ awkward challenge to Anthony Martial saw referee Anthony Taylor signal the point.
Fernandes hasn’t been able to match the towering standards he has set as United’s key man in recent weeks, but the Portuguese midfielder has been staring blankly from the penalty spot and his goal has had too much power for Ederson.
Shaw then pecked at Ederson’s palms with City still shaken by his slow start.
Pep Guardiola’s men began to take control as the first half progressed, but Dean Henderson was only forced to make a couple of routine saves by Ilkay Gundogan.
The hosts got much closer early in the second period, when Rodrigo sideways collided with his foot against the post after a patient build-up involving Riyad Mahrez and Jesús.
Seconds later, City were caught by a brilliant United counterattack as Shaw ran from inside his own half, exchanged passes with Marcus Rashford and then fired into the far corner for the Red Devils’ first goal in open play against a traditional top. six opponents in eight league games this season.
Solskjaer’s men beat City in both meetings at the Etihad last season by eliminating their neighbors at halftime and used the same tactic to great effect for another good victory.
Martial should have secured a much higher margin of victory, as he shot twice too close to Ederson with only the goalkeeper to beat.
WRAP | English Premier League: Man City and Liverpool lose Super Sunday
However, United’s afternoon was slightly marred by an injury that forced Rashford to be injured.
City had a chance to at least avoid defeat in the final stages when substitute Phil Foden opened up point blank before Raheem Sterling completely missed a tempting cross from Kyle Walker with a chance to score his first goal against United.
But after much criticism for a series of 0-0 draws against stronger opponents, United delivered a result to back up Executive Vice President Ed Woodward’s message this week that the progress being made with Solskjaer is “clear” and he continues. being the man to follow. lead them back to the title race next season.
