By Samuel A. March 3, 2024
It was a typically pulsating Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon. 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 strike from 25 yards out which struck the crossbar before going in. It was a perfect way to back up the strong words 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 just before the first half, with Haaland volleying over from three yards out on the cusp. 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 onetwo 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.
