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The war is over and city came victorious. The much anticipated derby of the first half of 2012 saw a breathtaking football of the two premier league giants. The match was not a repetition of the October 23 of 2011 which saw City humiliating the red devils at their theatre of dreams scoring half dozen goals but rather was a test of endurance and nerves.
The hopes and dreams which were lost few weeks ago are back on the shoulders of the men in blue as the stunning header of Vincent Kompany from David Silva corner minutes before half time sent the Mancini’s boys top of the league table on goal difference. City is now tied with united with same points with two matches remaining.
United started the match in positive approach but couldn’t capitalise for long as City launched one after another attacks and maintained the possession. The first half saw City terrorising the United box with defenders trying hard to restrict the fearless Aguero and Tevez from entering the dead ball zone. Aguero missed a good chance when he sent the ball high over the bar which sent his father-in-law the legend Diego Maradona stand up and sigh. The legend was present in the Etihad stadium to witness the crucial derby as well as to see the argentine boys outplaying the champions.
This was arguably the best derby in recent memory. Alex Ferguson had earlier described it the most important in his career. He started the game in attacking approach by sending the most experienced duo Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes in the attacking midfield zone with Park Ji Sung. While United ventured forward with promising moves but it was Yaya Toure who displayed the magical touches and sent back United in defending the continuous City attacks.
United were seem happy in salvaging a draw as it would ensure them a firm distance from the rivals. That was a mistake they made and paid the price for it. The famous attacking moves were missing and Rooney looked helpless as no one was there to send the cracking passes. The fans were delighted when Hart denied their chance and made the crunchy saves.
“It’s great to win tonight, but Newcastle is now our focus,” City goalkeeper Joe Hart said after the match. The thriller also witnessed the tension spilled to the sideline as both the managers got into a heated exchange after a rough challenge by Nigel De Jong on Danny Welbeck. The tension and anxiety was clearly visible on the faces of both the managers as the game progressed to the climax and eventually to City’s way.
“Absolutely buzzing, we’ve been waiting for this moment,” Kompany said. “It’s far from over, and we know that, but just to give our fans two wins over Manchester United this season — we have to finish it off.” He said it right. The ultimate test will be to bring the title to home after 45 years. They have a lot of work in hand and it can’t go wrong at this stage of the league.
The final phase of Premier League has entered into an anti climax zone. The battle of nerves will continue for two more weeks as the giants will fight from the core of their strength to see ultimate result. The 20th league title for United is at stake and received a big jolt today. Premier League has surprised us as it always been. It still has some unknown mysteries in store that will unfold in couple of day’s time.
