Manchester United 1-6 Manchester City | Premier League match report

Adversity assumed more than one form for Manchester United in a result that will figure for generations when this fixture is under discussion. The red card in the 46th minute for Jonny Evans, after he had pulled back Mario Balotelli, was damaging but Manchester City already held a 1-0 lead. Although the hosts reduced the deficit to 3-1 with a precise drive from Darren Fletcher, that simply galvanised City. In the closing moments, they struck three times, two of them from the substitute Edin Dzeko, with a David Silva goal between them. In the first half City had struck the ideal balance between prudence and audacity. At first neither side could pose a threat with any regularity but City took their chance impeccably. Despite the reputation Balotelli has for volatility, he was preferred to Dzeko at centre-forward. Whatever else is said about the Italian he has been reliable of late and the opening goal saw him find the net for a fifth consecutive appearance. Silva picked out James Milner and the low ball to the edge of the area from the left was converted meticulously by Balotelli, who shot past the left hand of the goalkeeper David de Gea. Balotelli lifted his shirt to show a T-shirt with the message “Why always me?” One might have assumed that the visit by the fire brigade to his home in the early hours of Saturday after a fireworks incident was a matter of sheer chance. The dismissal of Evans capped a troubled day for the centre-half and raised questions over Sir Alex Ferguson’s preference for him rather than Phil Jones, who was on the bench. Irrespective of the personnel, it almost seemed natural that United should go on to produce their most intense, attacking spell, with Ashley Young seeing one effort blocked before he sent the rebound beyond the post. City retained their poise to extend their lead after half-time. A flowing move saw Silva turn and release Milner inside the penalty area on the right and Balotelli was at the far post to knock the cutback into the net. This was not one of the days when United could flourish in adversity. Mancini’s side was unsparing. Milner released Richards on the right and Sergio Agüero converted another cutback for a 3-0 lead. Fletcher raised United hopes with a well-taken shot in the 81st minute but City had a morale-shattering finale up their sleeve. Premier League 2011-12 Manchester United Manchester City Premier League Kevin McCarra guardian.co.uk

Posted by on October 23, 2011. Filed under News, Politics, World News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.