Noisy Neighbors silenced at Home

Dec 9, 2012 by Muhammad Raza Haidery

Posted under: Sports Buzz

The Noisy Neighbors were finally silenced by the Red Devils at their own backyard. Manchester United finally defeated their derby rivals, Manchester City, at the Etihad stadium and gained revenge on their double lost last season.

As predicted, the atmosphere of the match was to be tense and undoubtedly, the stakes weren’t any higher. The experts had predicted that the match would be intense from the kick-off. The encounter was labeled as the “Derby match to look out for” by the pundits and fans alike.

As soon as the kick off took place, both teams were literally fighting each other out in the field as if it was do or die situation. Rough tackles and take downs were frequently occurring in the match. Wayne Rooney scored the opening goal for United in the 16^th minute, when his miss-hit found the back of the net, and left Joe Hart (Man City keeper) routed to the spot. Rafael’s cross helped Rooney to make it 2-0 in the 29^th minute.

After half time, both teams utilized every opportunity to score but failed. Carlos Tevez was brought into the field in replace of Mario Balotelli and immediately the momentum of the match picked up. Yaya Toure scored for City when the ball rebounded back from the goal keeper. Pablo Zabaletta equalized the score from the corner in the 86^th minute.

Into the period of stoppage time, United were awarded a free kick when Carlos Tevez committed a foul. Robin Van Persie took the free kick and scored the deciding goal for United.

Some drama also took place after Van Persie’s goal. There was an altercation between United and City fans. Rio Ferdinand was hit in the eye by a coin which was thrown by a City fan. An invader jumped into the ground and was carried off the field by the staff.

This was the first loss for Manchester City in the Premier league this season, breaking their unbeaten home run of 37 games. Manchester United currently stands at the first position with 39 points, followed by Manchester City at 33 points. Chelsea are placed on the third position with 29 points.