Wednesday, 26 October 2016

Manchester United 1-0 Manchester City: Juan Mata strikes as United reach EFL Cup last eight



Highlights of the EFL Cup match between Manchester United and Manchester City
Juan Mata booked Manchester United's place in the EFL Cup quarter-finals as his second-half strike sealed a 1-0 victory over Manchester City at Old Trafford.
The Spaniard's drilled effort, 54 minutes into Wednesday's fourth-round tie, proved decisive as United atoned for Sunday's hammering at Chelseawith a morale-boosting victory against their nearest rivals.
The result means Pep Guardiola is now on his worst winless run as a manager, with City failing to win any of their last six in all competitions.
For Jose Mourinho, who claimed only his fourth victory over Guardiola, a home tie with West Ham in the last eight awaits.
The 173rd Manchester derby began with Mourinho issuing an apology to supporters for his side's display at Stamford Bridge. Michael Carrick, making only his third start of the season, was drafted in to captain the hosts who made four changes.
Jose Mourinho says his players gave everything they had in their victory over Manchester City
Jose Mourinho says his players gave everything they had in their victory over Manchester City
Vincent Kompany and Leroy Sane were the only players to retain their places from City's draw with Southampton as Guardiola made nine changes.
Having conceded inside 30 seconds at Stamford Bridge, it was so nearly another nightmare start for United as Kelechi Iheanacho headed Jesus Navas's cross over the bar inside two minutes.
Pep Guardiola said he is proud of the young players that featured for Manchester City
Pep Guardiola said he is proud of the young players that featured for Manchester City
That chance bred confidence in Guardiola's much-changed side as they refused to be overawed in the opening exchanges, pressing United high in their half.
Referee Mike Dean waved away City's claims for a penalty on 10 minutes after Carrick's unintentional collision with Garcia Serrano went unpunished.
A disjointed first-half display meant it would take United 36 minutes to register a chance of note, which saw Zlatan Ibrahimovic's shot deflected over the target.
Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera (L) vies with Manchester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho
Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera (L) vies with Manchester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho
Having beaten Nicolas Otamendi, Marcus Rashford's hesitation a minute later allowed City to block his attempt on goal as the hosts came to life in the closing stages of the first half.
United took advantage of Kompany's half-time substitution to make a blistering start to the second period.
With four minutes on the clock, Ander Herrera and Ibrahimovic combined down the right to play Paul Pogba through on goal, but Willy Caballero turned his near-post shot onto the frame of the City goal.
Juan Mata's second half goal gave Manchester United victory over rivals City in the EFL Cup
Juan Mata's second half goal gave Manchester United victory over rivals City in the EFL Cup
The United pressure, however, soon told. Having got the better of Otamendi in the air, Ibrahimovic played the ball inside for Herrera, who went to ground following a collision with Fernando.
Before referee Mike Dean even had the chance to wave the penalty appeal away, Mata arrived in the box to drill low past Caballero.
Having played a part in United's opener, Ibrahimovic should have made the result comfortable, but he was unable to steer Rashford's inch-perfect cross home on 64 minutes.
Manchester United's Juan Mata (right) celebrates after scoring his side's first goal
Manchester United's Juan Mata (right) celebrates after scoring his side's first goal
Guardiola turned to Raheem Sterling and Sergio Aguero for the final quarter as City looked to force extra-time, but they were met by a dogged United defensive performance.
City, who have never won a cup tie at the home of their rivals, continued to toil for a route back into the game but United were in no mood as they saw out the victory without conceding a shot on target - the first time City have failed to hit the target since April 2012.
@chayil$

No comments:

Post a Comment