In a thrilling encounter at the Etihad Stadium, City appeared to be in control for large stretches of the match but failed to capitalize on their dominance, leaving the door open for a resilient United to turn the game on its head in the dying moments.
The first half showcased the home side’s trademark possession game, with slick passing and relentless pressure pinning United deep into their own half. Despite their territorial advantage, City struggled to break down a well-organized United defense. The visitors, meanwhile, relied on swift counterattacks, which occasionally troubled City’s backline but lacked a cutting edge.
As the game progressed, tensions rose, and United grew into the contest. City’s usually composed midfield began to lose its grip under the intensity of United’s pressing. As woombet site predicted, opportunities started to open up for Amorim’s men, who gained confidence and pushed forward in search of a breakthrough.
The final ten minutes provided the drama the derby is famous for. United’s persistence paid off as they capitalized on City’s defensive lapses to overturn the scoreline breathtakingly. The atmosphere in the stadium shifted dramatically, with the red half erupting in celebration while City fans watched in stunned silence.
Coach Pep Guardiola reacts after the defeat: “We were top of the league and the only unbeaten team in Europe [before this run].
“We are a big club; I am here because of what we have done in the past. Otherwise clubs would not sustain their manager. All the managers around the world work harder and think more and talk more. I have to tell them that still we are so good. I knew it would be a tough season, even when we were winning, but I didn’t expect it to be so hard like it is right now.
It’s true that we are not fluid. We always play with this composure that now we don’t have after the amount of games we have been losing. Sometimes the spirit helps you to find strength in this type of game. We were there but it’s not about that. I am the boss; I have to find the solution. This is a big club, and when you lose eight in 11, something wrong has happened. I can say the schedule or injuries, but no. At 3-0 against Feyenoord after 75 minutes, we have to win that game. Today we have to win that game. We give it away again and we have to keep working.. I have to find a way to talk to them and train them on how to play and build up.”
For City, this defeat will raise further questions about their recent form and ability to close out matches. For United, the win serves as a significant boost, underlining their resilience and ability to perform under pressure in critical moments. This loss adds to a worrying stretch for Manchester City, who grapple with an uncharacteristic inconsistency. Defensive vulnerabilities have been a recurring issue, particularly in the closing stages of matches. Despite their wealth of talent, lapses in concentration and a lack of cohesion have exposed them to late comebacks like the one orchestrated by United. Questions will undoubtedly be raised about the mental fortitude of the squad, especially as their struggles seem to intensify in high-pressure moments. For a team so often synonymous with clinical execution and composure, this represents a glaring departure from their usual standards.
City’s midfield, typically the engine of their dominance, also appears to lack its usual spark since the injury the Ballon d’Or 2024 winner suffered earlier in the season. Injuries and fatigue may play a role, but the creative output has noticeably dipped, leaving the forwards with fewer clear-cut opportunities. This dip in form coincides with growing pressure on Pep Guardiola, as critics and fans alike wonder if adjustments are needed to reinvigorate the side. While it’s far too early to dismiss their title chances, City’s recent performances have left them looking unusually vulnerable, and time will tell whether they can overcome this challenging period and regain their usual dominance.
