It was a must win game for both teams and I was expecting a fiery, passionate derby game but what we got was a dull game with not that many attempts at either goal.
Man City made one change to the side, which saw Wayne Bridge come in from a five month lay off.
Wayne Rooney and Ryan Giggs were both passed fit and were able to start but Rio Ferdinand didn’t even make the bench so Jonny Evans came into the side. Owen Hargreaves was also left out, which is a shame it would have been good to see him in the team, even if it was only on the bench.
United dominated throughout the game, with the home side only really looking threatening on the counter. Both sides knew it was a massive game, which could have big consequences in how either finished their season, you could see the tension.
Not for the first time this season, what we were missing was some creative play, we had the possession but we were lacking in the final third. Rooney may have started and that gave the fans some confidence but it definitely wasn’t a 100% fit Wayne Rooney that we saw, some of the chances he had, a fully fit Rooney would have scored. Valencia worked hard down the wing for United but he was sometimes lacking a bit of quality with his balls in.
There weren’t too many problems for Nemanja Vidic and Jonny Evans in defence. When they were called on, both players looked strong and solid. Gary Neville also had a solid game in defence, keeping Craig Bellamy quiet for most of the match, which isn’t the easiest thing to do.
It had been a fairly quiet first half but towards the end both Rooney and Giggs missed what looked to be some descant chances. Valencia put Rooney through, the striker went past Kolo Toure but dragged his shot wide.
Moments later Giggs had an even better chance to put the away team ahead. Valencia again did well down the flank, Giggs flicked his ball in towards goal but it was straight at City keeper Shay Given.
Second half opportunities were few and far between, City’s best came after Edwin Van Der Sar failed to clear the corner but luckily for United neither Carlos Tevez or Nedum Onuoha were able to capitalise and United were able to clear the ball away. With 90 minutes on the clock and three minutes of time added on it looked like United’s season was over but there was still time for things to change dramatically. Two minutes in, Scholes the ball into the back of the net from Patrice Evra’s cross in to win the game for United.
We are only a point behind Chelsea who have to win the game against Tottenham Hotspur this evening, pressure is on!!
It was another frustrating game to watch, it looked like we were going to see a 0-0 draw but a moment of magic from Scholes has re-ignited the title race. We weren’t at our best again but we have bagged all three points and that is the sign of Champions.
