Manchester City 3 v 1 Manchester United Stadium of Manchester, Manchester
14th January 2006
This may well have been ManCity's biggest game of the season, but it certainly wasn't Manchester United's, with the players lacking their usual hunger, nowadays saved for the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Leeds, even, ahead of their traditional rivals.
It was this lack of hunger that ultimately cost United. Had Silvestre made such galring errors in a top of table clash against Arsenal he would surely be heading for the door.
United it was who mad eth better openings, with Ronaldo seemingly on form down the wing - so much on form that Pearce must have told his players to target Cristiano, believing our young Portuguese hero to have a dislike for the physical side for the game. Certainly he hates being fouled Pearce, so it was a 'great' game-plan.
United had van Nistelrooy just inches away from a Giggs cross, and Rooney fired close before City got their first goal - which was offside.
Rooney should have levelled things, but instead of skirting the 'keeper chose to try to chip the hapless David ames, and for once James got lucky (and didn't drop it).
It should have been game on, but instead it was game over, when Mickey Silvestre, so solid a few seasons ago, bumbled the ball into Vassells path, giving him a clear sight at goal.
On 60 minutes, after more close chances, Ronaldo was fouled. From behind. Late. Not just fouled but absolutely nailed, as he had been all game. The referee gave nothing. Not even a free-kick! Joker.
Ronaldo, seething at his injustice, and the lack of protection from a far from professional referee, went after the ball from the throw, and lunged at the ball. He didn't touch Cole as the dirty Man City player went to ground, and suddenly it was a straight red. The video replay in front of the FA panel should prove that its Steve Bennett that needs suspending, not Ronaldo.
Van Nistelrooy soon made it 2-1, but it wasn't to be United's day, and their pushing forwards allowed City to make it 3-1 with the last kick of the match.
