Man City: Hart, Zabaleta, Kompany, Demichelis, Kolarov, Jesus Navas, Toure, Fernando, Milner, Aguero, Jovetic.
Subs: Sagna, Nasri, Dzeko, Caballero, Clichy, Fernandinho, Boyata.
Man Utd: De Gea, Valencia, Smalling, Rojo, Shaw, Blind, Fellaini, Januzaj, Di Maria, van Persie, Rooney.
Subs: Mata, Lindegaard, Carrick, Ander Herrera, Fletcher, McNair, Wilson.
Sergio Aguero powered defending champions to a victory against bitter rivals Manchester United who were down to 10 men thanks to Chris Smalling’s moment of madness.
The derby began with great atmosphere and at a frantic pace as both the clubs were in it for the bragging rights and t get closer to the top four spots. Both teams were nullifying each other till City got their first breakthrough via Sergio Aguero but he could not get past David De Gea.
inutes later, the Spaniard once again called into action by City as Pablo Zabaleta set up Jovetic but he stood his ground and kept City at bay. Januzaj and Robin van Persie were largely ineffective
Then came Chris Smalling’s blunder as he went on two footed on James Milner. The English defender was already on a yellow, which he got for obstructing Joe Hart, was shown another one by the referee Michael Oliver. Smalling’s red tilted the tie in the favour of hosts.
Michael Carrick made his first appearance of the season for United and was deployed in a make shift defense. Finally, Sergio Aguero got the deserved lead for the hosts as he placed ball past keeper De Gea.
Marcus Rojo also injured himself as he landed awkwardly on his shoulder. He looks set to be out for long term. United got better as the game went on as City were having nervous moments. Michael Oliver who was referee had an absolute stinker of a game. His indecisiveness and some erroneous judgments robbed City of two clear cut penalties.
City may have won the as they deserved to, but it wasn't a washout as it was expected once United went down. The Reds can hold their heads high in this defeat.
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