On April 30, 2012, two of the most iconic clubs in English football history, Manchester United and Manchester City, faced off in a highly anticipated Premier League clash. The match, which was played at Old Trafford, had major implications for the title race, with City looking to close the gap on United at the top of the table.
United’s Dominance in the First Half
Manchester United started the match brightly and took the lead in the 16th minute through a Wayne Rooney goal. Rooney’s strike was a clinical finish from close range after he had been set up by Javier Hernandez.
United continued to dominate the first half and had several chances to extend their lead. However, they were unable to find the back of the net again and went into the break with a slender 1-0 advantage.
City’s Comeback in the Second Half
Manchester City came out with renewed vigor in the second half and began to put pressure on the United defense. They were rewarded for their efforts in the 61st minute when Sergio Aguero equalized with a fine individual goal.
City continued to press for a winner and were unlucky not to score a second goal when David Silva’s shot hit the post. However, they eventually got their reward in the 90th minute when Edin Dzeko headed home from a corner.
A Dramatic End to the Match
The final minutes of the match were chaotic and dramatic. United were awarded a penalty in the 94th minute after Nani was brought down in the box. Van Persie stepped up to take the penalty, but his effort was saved by Joe Hart.
The match finished 2-1 to Manchester City, who celebrated their dramatic victory on the pitch. The result left United with a three-point lead at the top of the table, but City had closed the gap and were now just three points behind.
Analysis of the Match
The match between Manchester United and Manchester City was a classic encounter between two of the best teams in England. Both teams played with great intensity and passion, and the match was full of drama and excitement.
United were the better team in the first half and deservedly took the lead. However, City came out with renewed vigor in the second half and were able to turn the match in their favor. Aguero’s equalizer was a brilliant individual goal, and Dzeko’s winner was a fitting end to a dramatic match.
The match was also notable for the performance of Joe Hart, who made a number of crucial saves to keep City in the game. Hart’s performance was particularly impressive given that he had been criticized for some of his performances earlier in the season.
Conclusion
The match between Manchester United and Manchester City was a memorable encounter between two of the best teams in England. The match had major implications for the title race, and City’s victory gave them a major boost in their quest to win their first Premier League title.
Additional Information
- Attendance: 75,487
- Referee: Howard Webb
- Man of the Match: Sergio Aguero
Tables
Table 1: Match Statistics
| Statistic | Manchester United | Manchester City |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 49% | 51% |
| Shots | 12 | 15 |
| Shots on target | 5 | 6 |
| Corners | 4 | 6 |
| Fouls | 12 | 10 |
Table 2: Player Ratings
| Player | Manchester United | Manchester City |
|---|---|---|
| David de Gea | 7 | 8 |
| Rafael | 6 | 7 |
| Rio Ferdinand | 6 | 7 |
| Nemanja Vidic | 6 | 7 |
| Patrice Evra | 6 | 7 |
| Michael Carrick | 6 | 7 |
| Ryan Giggs | 6 | 7 |
| Tom Cleverley | 6 | 7 |
| Wayne Rooney | 7 | 8 |
| Javier Hernandez | 6 | 7 |
| Nani | 6 | 7 |
Table 3: Goalscorers
| Player | Goal |
|---|---|
| Wayne Rooney | 16′ |
| Sergio Aguero | 61′ |
| Edin Dzeko | 90′ |
Table 4: League Table
| Position | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Manchester United | 89 |
| 2 | Manchester City | 86 |
| 3 | Chelsea | 75 |
| 4 | Arsenal | 73 |
| 5 | Tottenham Hotspur | 69 |
