By Alex Al-Kazzaz
Back in October, Manchester United suffered a major humiliating 6-3 loss to Manchester City. Erling Haaland's hat-trick played a role in United's heavy defeat. Since then, United suffered only one loss in a 19-game span. United has not lost a match since November 6th and they're now on a five-game winning streak in Premier League play.
City was recently eliminated from the Carabao Cup courtesy of a 2-0 loss to Southampton while United advanced to the Cup's final four. United is in third place and one point below City in the English Premier League table. United might just be in the Premier League title race.
After a scoreless first half, City took the lead in the 60th minute when Jack Grealish came off the bench and scored a beautiful goal via a header with an assist from Kevin De Bruyne. Despite maintaining 70 percent of ball control, City managed to get only one shot-on-goal and they were able to convert. Haaland disappeared in this game and he's now gone three games without scoring.
After United found themselves trailing 1-0 at home, the already intense pressure only intensified. United quickly needed an equalizer as they were at a possible serious risk of conceding again. In the 78th minute, Bruno Fernandes equalized in spectacular fashion with an assist from Casemiro. The goal was initially disallowed because Marcus Rashford was offside. However, because Rashford never touched the ball on the play, and Fernandes was onside, the goal was officially ruled legitimate.
About four minutes later, Rashford scored the game-winning goal with an amazing assist from Alejandro Garnacho. After United's first attempt was blocked, Garnacho immediately got the ball back and Rashford was at right place at the right time. When Rashford got the ball, the entire City defense was caught off-guard and the goalkeeper was beaten. At 18 years of age, Garnacho is the youngest player to provide an assist in a Manchester derby in Premier League play.
Next Wednesday, United will take on Crystal Palace before taking on Arsenal on the 22nd. Later, on the 25th, United will play their first-leg against Nottingham Forest in the EFL Cup semifinals before playing their FA Cup 4th round match against Reading F.C..
On February 1st, United will play their second leg match against Nottingham followed by two Premier League matches before taking on Barcelona in a Europa League knock-out playoff match.
Photo Credit: The Guardian