Manchester City’s Premier League title celebrations were put on hold as rivals Manchester United produced a remarkable comeback from two goals down to win their derby clash 3-2 at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
A win for City would have clinched the title but instead their first home defeat in the league this season leaves Pep Guardiola’s side with a 13 point lead with six games remaining.
City left several regular starters on the bench ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League quarter-final second leg against Liverpool.
Nonetheless, they were 2-0 up within half an hour thanks to a Vincent Kompany header from a corner and a clever finish from Ilkay Guendogan.
But two goals from Paul Pogba in the 53rd and 55th minutes brought United level.
Chris Smalling, left unmarked in the box, then grabbed the winner in the 69th minute – side-footing home a floated free kick from Alexis Sanchez.
City felt they should have had a penalty when substitute Sergio Aguero went down under a challenge from Ashley Young.
They also came close to an equaliser when David de Gea made a brilliant save to keep out a header from Aguero and Raheem Sterling hit the post.
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho said after the match that his team deserved more respect: “We deserve a bit more respect than people give.
“I think we are a bit better than what people think. The players are a bit better than what people think and I am a bit better than what people think.”
Mourinho also told reporters that he congratulated Guardiola after the game on winning the title, regardless of today’s result.
“Of course they are frustrated because they wanted to do it today, but I congratulate them for the title because they are going to win and deservedly,” he said.
Pep Guardiola, on the other hand, said he was focusing his attention on the crunch tie against Liverpool: “We will try to pick ourselves up for Liverpool, we are professionals,” he said.
“It is a special day for United, which is a pity. We did absolutely everything in the first half but then for 10-15 minutes we conceded goals. It is what it is.
“But we move forward. We did everything in the first half, we played with courage and created so many chances. Some penalties in the first half, some in the second half, but we have to improve.” (Reuters/NAN)
