Manchester derby result. Man United 1-2 Man City: better later than never

Manchester City battled to a deserved 2-1 victory over cross-town rivals in an even clash at Old Trafford to end United’s impressive Premier League home unbeaten run.

All in all the Manchester derby has lived up fans’ high expectations, as it was filled with aggressive yet beautiful football. Sir Alex Ferguson was determined to retaliate upon City for the humiliating last season’s 6-1 demolition at Old Trafford and fielded all his big guns, teaming Van Persie, Welbeck and Rooney up front, with Giggs and Young playing on the wings. Roberto Mancini, in turn, wanted to prove his side is still best team in town, despite the Premier League title by all tokens going to their arch rivals this season and a disappointing 3-2 defeat to United in the injury time at Etihad stadium. He preferred more cautious approach, entering the game with one forward (Carlos Tevez), supported by Nasri, Silva and Milner.

James Milner has scored the opener with a low drive into the bottom corner, deflected from Jones, after Giggs misplaced a backheel pass in the 51st minute. United have leveled the scoring 7 minutes later by courtesy of Kompany’s own goal, as Jones’ header bounced off the back of the Belgian defender. Aguero netted match-winning goal with a stunner, after beating three men in the 78th minute.

Although the victory has changed virtually nothing in terms of Premier League title chase, it helped City to restore some pride after their disappointing season.