Hot Rooney seals derby triumph for Red Devils
Source: Agencies |
February 13, 2011, Sunday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
WAYNE Rooney produced a spectacular overhead kick to earn Manchester United a 2-1 home victory over Manchester City and a seven-point lead in the English Premier League yesterday.
The England striker, quiet for much of an intriguing derby, conjured an acrobatic 78th-minute volley that flew into the top corner to shatter City which had looked more than capable of a rare victory at Old Trafford.
David Silva drew City level with a fortuitous goal midway through the second half after United had gone in front shortly before halftime with a well-taken Nani effort.
The result gave United 57 points from 26 games while second-placed Arsenal, which was hosting Wolverhampton Wanderers later, has 50. City's title prospects are receding as it is now eight points behind, having played a game more.
City began the match in confident fashion and Silva should have scored in the opening minutes when he prodded a good chance fractionally wide of the post.
United struggled to gain a foothold with Rooney a frustrated figure although it did threaten when Darren Fletcher met a cross from Ryan Giggs and his header was saved by Joe Hart.
City was still the better side when it suffered a body blow four minutes before halftime. Giggs played a first-time pass to Nani and the Portugal winger's exquisite first touch took him clear of Pablo Zabaleta before he calmly slid the ball past Hart.
It was tough on Roberto Mancini's side which showed far more verve than it did in the home 0-0 draw with United in November.
Mancini sent on 30 million pounds (US$48.14 million) striker Edin Dzeko with half an hour remaining.
Almost immediately Dzeko made an impact when his shot from fellow substitute Shaun Wright-Phillips's low cross deflected off Silva's back and past helpless goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar.
A City victory looked possible but Rooney left the visitors empty-handed with a goal of stunning quality that will rank as one of the best seen in a Manchester derby.
Meanwhile, AC Milan midfielder Andrea Pirlo will miss Tuesday's Champions League last-16 first leg at home to Tottenham Hotspur and the next six weeks after injuring his knee ligaments.
The Italy international had tests after being hurt in training on Friday and the Serie A leader said on its website that "the recovery time is estimated at six weeks."
Pirlo, whose contract expires at the end of the season and who has yet to be offered new terms by the Italian club, had only just returned to training after a month out with a thigh problem.
The England striker, quiet for much of an intriguing derby, conjured an acrobatic 78th-minute volley that flew into the top corner to shatter City which had looked more than capable of a rare victory at Old Trafford.
David Silva drew City level with a fortuitous goal midway through the second half after United had gone in front shortly before halftime with a well-taken Nani effort.
The result gave United 57 points from 26 games while second-placed Arsenal, which was hosting Wolverhampton Wanderers later, has 50. City's title prospects are receding as it is now eight points behind, having played a game more.
City began the match in confident fashion and Silva should have scored in the opening minutes when he prodded a good chance fractionally wide of the post.
United struggled to gain a foothold with Rooney a frustrated figure although it did threaten when Darren Fletcher met a cross from Ryan Giggs and his header was saved by Joe Hart.
City was still the better side when it suffered a body blow four minutes before halftime. Giggs played a first-time pass to Nani and the Portugal winger's exquisite first touch took him clear of Pablo Zabaleta before he calmly slid the ball past Hart.
It was tough on Roberto Mancini's side which showed far more verve than it did in the home 0-0 draw with United in November.
Mancini sent on 30 million pounds (US$48.14 million) striker Edin Dzeko with half an hour remaining.
Almost immediately Dzeko made an impact when his shot from fellow substitute Shaun Wright-Phillips's low cross deflected off Silva's back and past helpless goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar.
A City victory looked possible but Rooney left the visitors empty-handed with a goal of stunning quality that will rank as one of the best seen in a Manchester derby.
Meanwhile, AC Milan midfielder Andrea Pirlo will miss Tuesday's Champions League last-16 first leg at home to Tottenham Hotspur and the next six weeks after injuring his knee ligaments.
The Italy international had tests after being hurt in training on Friday and the Serie A leader said on its website that "the recovery time is estimated at six weeks."
Pirlo, whose contract expires at the end of the season and who has yet to be offered new terms by the Italian club, had only just returned to training after a month out with a thigh problem.
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