Two goals from Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial on
Saturday night were enough to do all the magic as a tactically aware Manchester
United defeated Manchester City 1-2 at the Etihad.
Guardiola confident of a victory, started the match with a
4-3-3 formation with Sterling, Jesus and Bernardo Silva his preferred front
three while Man U. started with a pacy front three of Anthony Martial, Daniel
James and Marcus Rashford.
Guardiola was hopeful of a win, while Solksjaer would have
happily taken a draw if a genie gave him a draw at the beginning of the match-but
the god of football had other plans!
Solksjaer's front three partnership caused Man City's shaky
back line of Walker, Stones, Fernandinho and the inexperienced Angelino all
sort of problems in the first 30 minutes of the first half.
Martial, Rashford all had their chance to score and were
either saved by the post or the goalkeeper Ederson.
in the 23rd minute, Marcus Rashford opened the scoring from
the penalty spot after being brought down by Bernardo Silva before Anthony
Martial made it 2-0 when he sent a fine left foot shot past Ederson in the 29th
minute. At the end of the first
half Man City saw a penalty appeal rejected after Fred handled Kyle Walker's
cross.
Man city pounded, prodded, flexed and rigmaroled around
United's defence but United were resolute and the first half ended 0-2.
Manchester United's defensive acuteness and attacking verve
on the counter was so mature and impressive that it was beginning to look like
they will score more goals in the second half and with the time entering the
last ten minutes, City were fighting for their life, with Guardiola visibly
frustrated.
United nearing the last minutes of the game started playing
more compactly and left only Rashford upfront but were soon broken in the 85th
minute as Nicolas Otamendi headed home a late consolation after escaping the
attentions of Aaron Wan-Bissaka..
On this night, this special occasion, this Manchester derby,
Man United coach Ole Gunnar Solksjaer proved he could be a tactical hero, and
what better way to prove yourself than against one of the greatest coaches in
the world, Pep Guardiola.
Liverpool are now 14 points clear of the reigning champions
Manchester City, a gap that has never been overturned before i Premier league
history.
