Phil Foden’s double helped Manchester City secure a crucial 3-1 victory over Manchester United, closing the gap to just one point behind Premier League leaders Liverpool. The win sets up an exciting title race as City prepare to face Liverpool next weekend. Marcus Rashford initially stunned City with a superb strike, but Foden equalized with a stunning shot into the top corner. Despite some missed chances, including an open goal miss from Erling Haaland, City’s dominance paid off as Foden scored his second and Haaland redeemed himself with a late goal.
Manchester United’s defeat leaves them 11 points adrift of the top four, with Erik ten Hag’s side struggling to keep up. Rashford, who has faced criticism for his performances this season, silenced his critics temporarily with his early goal. However, City’s relentless pressure eventually proved too much for United, with Foden and Haaland securing the victory. Ten Hag was left frustrated by the decision not to award a foul in the build-up to City’s equalizer, but his side’s overall performance was not enough to earn a result.
Despite United’s early lead, City dominated the game for large periods, with Andre Onana making several crucial saves to keep United in the game. Foden was particularly impressive, with his two goals showcasing his talent and importance to Guardiola’s side. United’s defensive approach ultimately backfired, as City’s attacking prowess proved too much to handle. As the title race heats up, City will be buoyed by this important win, while United’s hopes of a top-four finish look increasingly slim.