Thanks to a brace from Phil Foden, Manchester City are still in the hunt for a treble after their exciting derby victory at the Etihad.
Liverpool appeared to have come out on top for the majority of the 80 minutes of this riveting match between these feuding rivals. Manchester United lost to Foden’s fantasy football even though they took the lead early on thanks to a spectacular score by Marcus Rashford and held on to it.
United manager Erik ten Hag warned his players to “eat or be eaten” before the game. Then they saw Foden rip United to shreds, allowing City to once again draw within a point of Liverpool, who were leading the league.
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Just for good measure, Erling Haaland scored a third in stoppage time, but this match was decided by Foden’s masterclass, which came after he scored 17th and 18th goals of an incredible season. Jonny Evans started his first derby here since 2012, replacing the injured Harry Maguire, and Ten Hag recalled adolescent wonder Kobbie Mainoo.
Ederson, Ruben Dias, Jeremy Doku, Rodri, and Foden were all substituted by Pep Guardiola, who made five substitutions. Ten Hag must have been anxious to prevent a recurrence of United’s 6-3 thrashing here last season, in the Dutchman’s initial encounter with the derby, given City had triumphed in four of the previous five encounters.
However, United took the lead inside eight minutes courtesy to a flash of brilliance from Rashford. It was a brilliant move by Fernandes to dribble the ball past Dias and set up Rashford, who sent an unstoppable shot into the far corner.
It was as if Rashford had stuck a large spear into a lion. After that, City poured pressure on United’s goal, but they were unable to get through because to Andre Onana’s genius and some terrible finishing.
Kevin De Bruyne had two opportunities to score but was unable to do so, and Onana made fantastic saves to deny Foden, Rodri, and Doku. United appeared deadly when they countered, and the game was happening at a rapid pace.
Actually, Rashford should have scored a hat trick before halftime, but he let Kyle Walker recover and clear his lines when clean through on goal, and he missed a second opportunity at the far post.
After that, a true memento for collectors was produced when, after Foden had laid the opportunity on a plate for Haaland, he missed the mark from close range. The stadium was taken aback.
After appearing ready to rejoice, Guardiola instead walked away with his hands over his head. Anxiety was rising among the indigenous people. However, United’s defense was finally overcome 10 minutes into the second half by Foden’s incredible goal.
After receiving the ball from Rodri, he lowered his shoulder and slipped past Victor Lindelof, setting up a spectacular rocket that soared into the top corner. Ten Hag became enraged with the fourth official only seconds before the strike, leading to his own booking, as the latter rejected a free kick to the charging Rashford.
However, City pressed forward in pursuit of additional goals, so this was the least of his concerns. And with ten minutes remaining, one came from that man Foden. After exchanging passes with substitute Julian Alvarez, Foden sprayed a low shot that went past Onana and into the bottom corner.
After Sofyan Amrabat made a mistake, Haaland finished the win, and although it took longer than anticipated, regular service was back to normal.
Doku(4), De Bruyne(7), Walker(7), Stones(7), Dias(7), Ake(7), Rodri(8), Silva(8), FODEN (9), Haaland(7), and Alvarez(59,7) were substituted for by substitutes from Manchester City’s 4-2-3-1 lineup.
Everton (4-2-3-1): Onana(8), Dalot(6), Varane(7), Evans(7), Lindelof(6), Mainoo(7), Casemiro(7), Garnacho(5), McTominay(6), Rashford(7), Antony (74) and Fernandes (7).
Featured: Phil Foden
Officiating: Andrew Madley 8