The Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium started with a bang as Marcus Rashford scored a stunning goal for the visitors in the eighth minute. The England striker unleashed a powerful shot from 30 yards that flew past Ederson and into the top corner. It was his 15th goal of the season and his third in the last four games.
United had taken advantage of City’s slow start and looked to defend their lead with tenacity. They frustrated their rivals with their pressing and organisation, and denied them any clear chances. City had more possession and shots, but none of them troubled David de Gea in the first half.
Foden turns the tide with brilliant brace
City needed a response after the break and they got it from their local hero, Phil Foden. The 21-year-old winger, who had been quiet in the first half, came to life in the second and scored two goals to turn the game around.
His first came in the 56th minute, when he received a pass from Kevin De Bruyne on the left and cut inside to curl a superb shot into the far corner. It was his 10th goal of the season and his fifth in the last six games.
His second came in the 80th minute, when he latched onto a through ball from Bernardo Silva and slotted a low finish past De Gea. It was his first brace in the Premier League and his first in the Manchester derby.
Haaland seals the win in stoppage time
City were not done yet and added a third goal in injury time to seal their victory. Erling Haaland, who had missed a glorious chance in the first half when he skied the ball over an open net, made amends with a clinical finish from close range. It was his 25th goal of the season and his seventh in the last five games.
The Norwegian striker celebrated with his trademark leap and fist pump, as the City fans erupted in joy. The final whistle soon followed, and City had completed their comeback and claimed the bragging rights in Manchester.
City close the gap on Liverpool
The win moved City within one point of Liverpool, who are top of the Premier League table with 63 points. City have 60 points, with a game in hand. Arsenal are third with 58 points, while Aston Villa are fourth with 55 points.
United remain sixth with 45 points, five behind fifth-placed Tottenham. They have lost three of their last four games and are 18 points behind their neighbours.
City have extended their unbeaten run to 10 games in all competitions and have won eight of them. They have also scored 22 goals and conceded only four in that span. They will face FC Copenhagen in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Wednesday, having won the first leg 3-1 away.
United will host Everton in their next Premier League game on Saturday, hoping to bounce back from their derby defeat and keep their hopes of a top-four finish alive.
