Man United in shock win against Man City on Saturday to put them further behind Liverpool in the title race
On Saturday Man City hosted their rivals Man United in this season’s first Manchester Derby. This was a big game for both sides with a lot on the line.
Man City needed to win this game to stop Liverpool near enough ending the title race. A loss would put them 14 points behind Klopp’s side which would be a huge gap to close. Man United and Ole needed to win after much pressure has been put on the manager. United are going through a bad spell of form with many calling for Pochettino. But a midweek win over Spurs showed what the manager and his side are capable of.
The hosts were the big favourites for this. Some bookmakers even had United priced at 10/1 to win this game which is a huge price for any team in a derby.
Man United had a near enough full-strength side, with only Paul Pogba the main player missing. City were without Aguero and Laporte, with the centre-back being the bigger of the two misses.
The scene is set…🏟✨
🔵 #ManCity #MCIMUN 🔴 pic.twitter.com/2VZugQAY1b
— Manchester City (@ManCity) December 7, 2019
Man City vs Man United
The game got off to a fast pace start with both sides looking to attack. It was clear how the game would go from the first minute. United would look to sit deep allowing City to have the ball and would try to hit them on the counter-attack.
City kept the ball well but struggled to create anything in the final third. United had several good counter-attacks using the pace of Rashford, Martial and James well. The hosts looked vulnerable at the back with United creating several good early chances.
Rashford was looking dangerous and won his side a penalty in the 20th minute. He dribbled his way into the box and Bernardo came across him taking his legs out and VAR awarded a penalty. The England forward stepped up after scoring a penalty in the midweek and slotted this one away as well.
This shocked City and most people watching, this was meant to be an easy win for them. United were then in dreamland nine minutes later. Martial doubled the lead with a fantastic left-footed finish into the bottom right corner.
The second half started with United still two in front. City kept pushing hoping for a breakthrough and were unlucky when Rodri was denied by De Gea with a fantastic save.
They finally got themselves a goal back when Otamendi headed in from a Mahrez corner in the 85th minute. United were now up against it for the last five minutes plus added time. City threw everything at the visitors but they held firm. It looked like they had found an equaliser when Mahrez cut inside and shot at the bottom left corner. De Gea though again coming to United’s rescue.
The game finished 2-1 and City’s players were visibly gutted. This was a must-win for them and unfortunately, they came up second best to a fantastic Man United performance.
Title race over?
Liverpool are eight points clear of Leicester at the top of the table with Man City now 14 points behind. City are priced at 7/1 on Betfred to now go on and win the title. Liverpool at the clear favourites at 1/7. Leicester could be the suprise package after they won their eighth game in a row on the weekend at 14/1.
It’s going to be very tough for City to catch Liverpool now. They look in fantastic form and have only dropped two points all season. Leicester face City and Liverpool soon which could be huge in deciding where the title ends up come May.
Man United have now worked they way back up to 5th place in the table. Their odds for top four have dropped to 7/2 on Betfred as they are only five points behind Chelsea.
MR PLAY OFFER
BET £10 - GET £15
18+, Welcome Bonus: New Players only, 1st Deposit, Min Deposit: £10, max £15 bonus, valid for 14 days, bets must be placed at a min. odds of 1/1 (2.00) or greater and be settled within 14 days of placement. System bets no eligible. 18+ begambleaware.org. #ad. Please bet responsibly.