Robin van Persie’s last-minute winner stretched Manchester United’s lead at the top of the Premier League to six points and ended Manchester City’s two-year unbeaten home record at the Etihad.
Wayne Rooney has given Sir Alex Ferguson’s side a two-goal lead at the break – his fourth Premier League goal in a week – before Yaya Toure gave City a lifeline.
The champions thought they had claimed a point when Argentine Pablo Zabaleta made it 2-2 from 20 yards with a fierce drive.
However, van Persie’s deflected free kick in stoppage sealed the 3-2 win for United in a controversial last few minutes of an end-to-end derby.
Rio Ferdinand needed treatment for a cut eye after an object appeared to be thrown from the crowd when celebrating.
And former Red Devil Carlos Tevez – who was named a substitute by boss Roberto Mancini – appeared to kick out at United’s Phil Jones.
The loss for City marks their first defeat since 2010 at home and caps off a terrible week for the Italian after their elimination from Europe.
STRIKE: Robin van Persie scores
Images courtesy of Sky Sports, with thanks.
For more on this story and many others, follow Mancunian Matters on Twitter and Facebook.
