Manchester United victory in the Manchester derby has taken Liverpool a step closer towards their first league title in three decades. The Reds are now 25 points clear of second placed Manchester City. The Citizens have a game in hand, and they will host Arsenal on Wednesday.
January signing Bruno Fernandez was impressive again for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men. Anthony Martial opened the scoring in the 30th minute. Fernandez sent a through ball to the French man, he met the ball on a half volley, forcing the ball under the arms of Ederson. The goalkeeper should have done better with the ball, but Martial wouldn’t care.
The first half ended as the Red Devils took the lead to half time.
As expected, City came all out in the second half in search of an equalizer. Pep Guardiola introduced Gabriel Jesus and Riyadh Mahrez for Sergio Aguero and Bernardo Silva respectively on the hour mark, but the duo failed to inspire their side. The manager made the final substitution in the 77th minute. Ukraine International Oleksandr Zinchenko made way for Benjamin Mendy, but the Red Devils held firm at the back.
Ighalo was brought in the 88th minute for United. The holdup play of the forward was crucial in the second goal. The attacker held the ball well and sent Luke Shaw down the left wing. The winger sent the ball to James, but his touch was too heavy and Ederson gathered the ball. He was too hasty to start another attack for City as he threw the ball directly to McTominnay, the midfielder hit the ball first time with accurate precision.
The defeat ends a run of five wins in all competitions for Pep Guardiola’s men. They will host Arsenal at the Etihad stadium on Sunday as they prepare for the crucial round of 16 second leg tie against Real Madrid.