Phil Foden Scores Twice, With Erling Haaland Also Finding The Net As Manchester City Secures A Comeback Victory Over Manchester United
The Cameroonian goalkeeper was then called upon to make a remarkable diving save to his left, denying a low-struck volley from Rodri. Shortly after, De Bruyne dragged an effort wide of the near post, amplifying frustrations among the home supporters at the Etihad.
Manchester City’s most promising opportunity in the first half came to Haaland, but the Norwegian, who netted five goals midweek against Luton, somehow sent the ball over the crossbar from close range after connecting with Foden’s inviting header across the box.
Raphael Varane nearly redirected the ball into his own net while attempting to block a low, driven cross from De Bruyne. However, Manchester United managed to withstand the barrage of City attacks and entered halftime with a narrow lead.
Similar to the first half, Manchester City dictated the tempo at the start of the second period. Onana was alert to palm away Doku’s deflected strike from a narrow angle on the left flank, shortly after Evans blocked a powerful shot from Foden.
However, Foden capitalized on his next opportunity with precision. Receiving the ball on the right side, he cut inside onto his favored left foot and unleashed a magnificent strike from the edge of the box into the top corner, leaving Onana with no chance. The Etihad Stadium erupted as Foden found the back of the net, maintaining City’s dominance as the match approached its final half-hour.
Onana, who faced continuous booing from the home crowd for perceived time-wasting, provided Manchester United with a momentary respite when he required treatment after collecting a through-ball from De Bruyne. However, the United goalkeeper was fit to resume play.
With 20 minutes left on the clock, Ten Hag opted to introduce 19-year-old Willy Kambwala in place of the 36-year-old Evans, who had put in an impressive defensive display. Kambwala, typically a center-back, filled in at right-back, allowing Lindelof to shift to the center of defense, while Dalot moved to the left-back position.
Despite Manchester City’s pressure, the United defensive wall managed to repel De Bruyne’s dangerous free kick from the edge of the box, shortly before Walker unleashed a bold 30-yard effort straight into Onana’s hands.
Tensions escalated between the two teams as Manchester City’s relentless attack kept Manchester United pinned back into their own penalty box. However, City’s persistence in the final third paid off on the 80th minute when Foden received a precise pass from substitute Julian Alvarez inside the box and calmly slotted a low shot past Onana into the far corner.
Manchester United, who had not had a shot on goal since the 23rd minute, found it difficult to break out of their own half. Eventually, they conceded a third goal when Rodri dispossessed Amrabat on the edge of the box and played Haaland through, who finished with composure into the bottom corner, securing three crucial points for the hosts.
Manchester City will aim to extend their unbeaten streak to 20 matches in all competitions when they host Copenhagen for the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Manchester United’s next Premier League fixture is at home against Everton on Saturday.
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