It was a very interesting Super Sunday in the Premier League, as league leaders, Manchester City, did enough
to edge city rivals 2-1 in the Manchester derby. David Silva gave the visitors the lead two minutes before the break, while Marcus Rashford equalised for the Red Devils moments later.
Argentina international, Nicolas Otamendi sealed the win, nine minutes after the break to earn Pep Guardiola’s side an historic win. City’s win sees them set a new PL record for the number of successive victories in a single season, with their 14th consecutive win and ensures they extend their lead over United to eleven points.
It was no less than the Cityzens deserve, even though both goals had some elements luck. City were expectedly dominant on the ball, controlling possession, and finding gaps in the United rear guard. But the Red Devils had their chances, with Ederson alert to deny Romelu Lukaku, Rashford and Juan Mata.
United manager, Jose Mourinho, was a furious man at end, as he felt his side were undone by some poor officiating from the center referee, Michael Oliver.
“The referee made a mistake, it can happen,” Mourinho told Skysports after the match. “I feel sorry for Michael Oliver. Clear penalty. I am sorry for us, sorry for Michael [Oliver], I think he had a good performance, but it’s a clear penalty.”
Mourinho’s opposite number, Guardiola, was however pleased with what he saw from his side, whom he believes were the better on the day.
“We won in Old Trafford again, that is why I am the most pleased and of course for the three points. We played good, with a lot of courage. I’m so satisfied,” Guardiola said.
“We won because we were better. We are still in December, if we have 11 points when we play the second derby in April then maybe I will tell you that we have the title,” he added.
Up next for the Red Devils is another home game against Bournemouth in midweek, while City travel to the Liberty stadium to take on Swansea.
Earlier on, Everton earned a valuable point against Liverpool, after a 1-1 draw at Anfield.
Mohamed Salah’s 13th PL goal of the season wasn’t enough for Jurgen Klopp’s side, as a Wayne Rooney penalty ensured both sides shared the spoils.
The Reds dominated, and probably should have won, but met an Everton side that was ‘patient’, and organised at the back.
While Klopp and Liverpool will see this as two points dropped, it’s a massive point for the Toffees, whose renaissance under Sam Allardyce has begun to take shape.
— Everton (@Everton) December 10, 2017
| Prior to @WayneRooney's spot-kick, we had only been awarded one penalty in the last 65 derby matches at Anfield (since 1937), converted by Wayne Clarke in December 1988. pic.twitter.com/yYoV4q1XEN
“It’s a fantastic point for us,” Rooney said. “We knew it would be difficult, and we would need to be patient. We defended brilliantly [and] had two or three moments on the break that we had to take and we did that,”
Liverpool move to fifth on the log, while Everton now occupy tenth position.
Full Results
Southampton 1-1 Arsenal
Liverpool 1-1 Everton
Man. United 1-2 Man. City
