MCI FA Cup Post-Match Review: Manchester Derby

Manchester City reminded everyone of their current status as Champions of England, Champions of Europe and Champions of the world with a sensational comeback win over noisy neighbours Manchester United in the latest edition of the Manchester Derby. After United took the lead just 8 minutes in thanks to a beauty of a goal from Marcus Rashford, City found themselves dominating possession while firing blanks up front, leading to a HT 1-0 deficit.

Erling Haaland’s seemingly unmissable miscues left the City faithful frustrated, with hints of uneasiness creeping over even the most hopeful City fans. After all, the derby has always proven to be unpredictable. However, Pep and the boys started to put it together in the second half (as they usually do), emerging from the locker rooms with guns blazing, determined to keep the pressure on Liverpool at the top of the table and gain all three points in a vital Manchester Derby. 

When the game reached the 56 minute mark, the Stockport Messi [Phil Foden], operating on the RW, cut inside and struck a beautifully timed shot at Andre Onana’s goal, brushing past the outstretched keeper’s fingertips for the equalizer. 

A substitution followed, with Jeremy Doku making way for Julian Alvarez, our Argentinian World Cup winner. One customary Walker long range blast later, Foden struck again. With 80 minutes gone by, he found himself on the left side of the pitch this time, occupying space on the LW and LCM pocket. A quick one-two with Julian saw Phil free himself from Casemiro’s clutches, cooly sliding in the game winner to make it 2-1. Erling Haaland would see redemption for his earlier misses with the final goal in stoppage time, leaving the Blues with a thoroughly convincing win in which United rarely threatened outside of Rashford’s early wonder goal. This win marks Rodri’s record-breaking 59th unbeaten game in a row for City in all competitions, the most by any player in Premier League history.

A MOTM performance for our star man Phil Foden topped off an incredible day at the office for the boys in blue. 

What’s next for Man City? 

Man City will return to Champions League action in the second-leg our Round of 16
tie against Copenhagen this Wednesday. With a 3-1 cushion from the first leg, we expect a thorough and convincing win against a tough, spirited side. Then, it’s back to Premier League action for a title-deciding blockbuster against league leaders Liverpool at Anfield on March 10th. 

3 Fun Facts/Talking Points: 

Written by: @Sheikh + @Max Rawlinson