MAN CITY 2 – 3 Manchester United – MY THOUGHTS
9 Jan
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It was a defeat every bit as honourable as a victory. To fail at the earliest possible stage defending a trophy is, naturally, a deflating feeling, but it says everything about the performance of the Blues that one can talk, honestly, in a positive frame of mind. The reslience on show, the togetherness, the character and most of all, the Superbia In Proelio mean that although it was a Manchester derby loss, it was one that served as a reminder of our unlimited potential.
The second half display, oddly, provided an assurance for the fans about the belief of our players and as has been pointed out, our Premier League credentials may well have been strengthened. Reduced to ten men by what can be described, it polite terms, as a controversial decision, and down 3-0 to a quality unit, we fought as a team, showing indubitable character and an unshakable togetherness.
All this positivity does seem a touch unusual bearing in mind we have been knocked out in the third round of the FA Cup to our neighbours, but leaving the ground on Sunday afternoon, there was an overwhelming feeling of pride amongst the supporters. Yes, we were disappointed to exit the competition, but those 48 second half minutes showed us a glimpse of what may happen in the future.
So much of the post-game discussion has centred on Chris Foy’s decision to award a red card to Vincent Kompany for his tackle on Nani and rightly so. It was at worst a terrible decision, and at best, just about understandable. Our captain won the ball cleanly, didn’t endanger an opponent and, crucially, didn’t use excessive force. Admittedly, both his feet left the ground in a scissor kick motion, an act which surely led to Foy’s decision, but it wasn’t particularly reckless and City have appealed.
One player to earn the acclaim of everyone was Sergio Aguero, who produced the finest striker’s performance I’ve seen at home since Dimitar Berbatov for Spurs a few season ago. The Argentinean was a lone front man for 80 minutes, yet caused the likes of Ferdinand, Jones and Smalling numerous problems with his workrate and ability to hold up the ball. It was as good as we’ve seen from Aguero and he deserved to be on the winning side.
Opposition View: Credit must be given to United for their first half performance, in which they took full advantage of our insecurity. Danny Welbeck was a superb presence all afternoon, his movement and pace causing us problems, whilst Antonio Valencia was outstanding down the right. However, their goalkeeping situation is laughable. Anders Lindegaard made David De Gea look commanding, such was his flapping from crosses and corners, whilst his handling for Aguero’s goal was pathetic. In defence, Rio Ferdinand looks a shadow of his former self and was given the runaround by Aguero, and Patrice Evra was always vulnerable at the back. And the only word that springs to mind with regards to Paul Scholes is desperation.
As for the Blues, we now look forward to the Carling Cup semi-finals and the visit of Liverpool on Wednesday. That will be another test of our credentials, but should we show the same fight, determination and character as we did yesterday, we will have no problems.
You should get in touch with the FA. I am sure they will be happy to engrave something on the trophy explaining how great this defeat was. Maybe on the underside of the base of the Cup they could write a few short paragraphs about the greatest comeback that never happened in FA cup history.
I recall the last time when rags were in City’s shoes, it ended up a whooping 6 – 1. And I do agree with you that this defeat was not as great and historic as that one.
This was a defeat that never felt like a defeat and Credit to Mancini for his tactics in second half. Crashing out of FA cup as sad as it may sound, is a blessing in disguise that our team does not get stretched in multiple competition and can focus on EPL. Winning the curling cup would definitely make up for it
Pretty fair assessment. The red card was an abosolute joke and ruined what could have been an excellent game; I wish referees had some common sense.
In your assessment of United, you have missed out Phil Jones, who for me was our worst player. He looks like a man who has played too many games and been relied upon too often to be the main man in our defence because of our injury – he’s only 19!! He needs a good rest to recuperate his form at the start of the season.
Aguero was undoubtedly excellent, as were the whole City defence, but I think more credit needs to go to Mancini, whose tactics in the second half were nothing short of inspired. I have certainly never seen that formation used before, and it meant City fairly comfortably won the second half 2-0. It shows just how good a manager he is, and it’s not often that a manager’s tactics have such an effect on the game.
On the balance, I think City can take more positives from the game than United. With the exception of Kolarov, who is nowhere near good enough for City, it was a great effort from City, and should give them confidence.
The biggest disappointment from this game was to see an England player play a large part in getting a fellow professional sent off, Rooney and his manager OBF can say what they want his/their behaviour was a disgrace.
Yes they won but with all honesty if we had won under the same circumstances would we be happy no chance we prefer to win 6-1 with our respect in check. On to bigger games bring on the semi vs liverpool
The after match interviews sum this match (and both teams) up totally. Mancini, the team and our supporters were more optimistic, more upbeat and more proud of our players then, Fergie, his team and their supporters, AND THEY WON THE MATCH. Fergie was as bitter in victory as I’ve ever seen him in defeat.
Wow you one good goal from a free kick that the keeper should have had and a lucky fumble.. SAF couldn’t have put it any better in the post match interview we made you look better than you were.. If kompany didn’t want to get sent off then teach him how to tackle.. Paul Scholes played his first match since he retired last year was only on for 30 mins and yet he still managed to complete more passes than anyone on the city squad smart move not desperate ..35 years to win the trophy n ya lost it in one game.. Bitter city
MUFC!
Did you go to the game you pathetic red shut up. Paul Scholes is desperation signing call me bitter all you want am sick of all these reds that dont give us credit and about komapany why dont you teach jonny evans to tackle you clueless guy and come may man city WILL be champions then what will you say it was fluke hate these sort of reds with a passion.
You’re absolutely right, Evans makes senseless challeneges and often inside of the box. That said, Kompany aims to truly hurt when he FLYS into tackles with both feet off the ground and studs showing. Have one more look at the tape and if you still maintain that he didn’t deserve a red than i give up on you. It’s the type of tackle that had he made contact, it would have surely put Nani on the sidlines for a very long ime.
Having only watched the end of the first half due to being at work and then enjoying the second as a true blue, hopefully with my feet on the ground, i can only express my disappointment at the inconsistency of referees and the influence of the media , particularly TV over recent weeks.I felt elated by the drive and strength of 10 city players compared to the aging squad of united. I am tired of hearing how city are buying their way to success but fail to see many home grown “free” players in red or any other colour but I have to say the best moment of all was Roy Keane’s irritation that city got more credit for losing than united did for winning. Brought an even bigger smile to my face than the true spirit of a team, honour in defeat rather than “humiliated by 6!”
34-2 loss must have made you happy huh!
I wish it was 34-2
sadly the fact that it was such a good match has distracted people from how bad a decision it was. united couldn’t have had a greater opportunity to gain revenge for the 6-1 and it was gifted to them on a plate. despite some fine forward play in the first half, the poverty of their performance in the second half embarrassed their manager and although they get through it is a hollow victory especially in light of the fourth round draw. sadly this is a competition that city are much better out of this year. the size of the squad would not cope with progress in every competition. city’s second half was the finest with 10 men in a derby i have ever seen, united failed to create a chance and at the end were hanging on desperately. it is debatable how the match would have finished if kompany’s tackle had not been punished; the first 10 mins suggest it would have been very hard for united. city are the better side and if they keep that spirit and do not suffer at the hands of referees i can see nobody else winning the premiership.
6-1, 3-2, does it matter the score, the 2 3-2 victories United had over City this year so far mean more than the 6-1 defeat, we won one trophy all be it the Community Shield and then knocked you out of the Cup, we are still fighting it out for the title so 6-1 or 1-0 doesn’t matter just 3 points! Take what you want out of the game but Fergie is keeping his players on their toes by telling them the second half wasn’t good enough, hollow victory my arse
EXACTLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Pride in battle, that is what this was in motion. The work ethic and all round desire of the players in the second half was astonishing, and especially so considering the task which was in front of them. I am absolutely delighted, and yeas i am aware we lost, but the nature of this defeat is one of interference from an idiot official matched by our players and managers rigid determination to fight back. Well done MCFC!!.
Thats jokes…
Man United 3 –City 2. Man United 2 wins this season head to head with City, City 1 win. Who cares about the score lines.Winning 6-1 against a 10 men United team with 5 coming after Evans saw red isn’t important, save hurting ones pride. United 8-2 against Arsenal means nothing other than United received 3 points and Arsenal 0 on the day.
And by the way, Kompany should have been given two reds for that vicious lunge at Nani.
reasonable comment until the last bit. if that red had been given against utd ferguson would have demanded that foy retire. a bit reckless but certainly not dangerous. vicious? after what keane did to haaland? sling your hook.