Wayne Rooney Fan Blog

Manchester City achieved the first part of their mission when they beat city rivals Manchester United 2-1 at home in the Carling Cup to place one foot in the final.

The beginning of the match seemed to be quite balanced, with both sides appearing to get more and more into the game. Wayne Rooney, Ryan Giggs, and Antonio Valencia were all on the attack for the Red Devils, while Carlos Tevez was aiming for a physical revenge as regards to Sir Alex Ferguson’s “unjust” treatment towards him – when he was with the Mancunians.

Indeed, it was these four players who seemed to be the stars of the night, but in some ways, the visitors were quick to impose theirselves. A long ball from Patrice Evra to Antonio Valencia placed the Ecuadorian through, and the winger proved to be strong on the right hand-side, running past his marker – only to drive the ball into the six-yard box.

Wayne Rooney thought he had scored a goal when he side-footed goalwards from Valencia’s low cross, but Shay Given parried the ball away, and Giggs came to his side’s rescue by easily sending the ball at the back of the net from close range to give Manchester United the lead.

Manchester City almost replied with an equalizer subsequent to valuable efforts from Carlos Tevez and Craig Bellamy, but Edwin Van der Sar was just too alert to put his side at risk.

5 minutes from time though, the Sky Blue finally got what they were looking for, and it was all thanks to their Argentine striker Tevez. Bellamy went down inside the box following a foul by the United defender Rafael, and Tevez only had to convert from the spot. Manchester United then protested against the referee’s controversial decision, as contact between the Welshman and Rafael initially took place outside the 18-yard box, but still, 1-1 the score line remained at half time.

In the second half, City showed much more aggression through a series of corners, but once again, Manchester United were the first to have a clean chance on goal. A wonderful run from Wayne Rooney down the flank pushed the blue shirts at the back, but just as the English man made his cross, Ryan Giggs took his position and headed the ball towards Shay Given who made an effortless save.

A few minutes after the hour mark, Manchester City got in front again through Carlos Tevez. Bellamy drove the ball strongly in the penalty area from a corner kick, Van der Sar’s punched it, then Pablo Zabaleta sent it forward to Vincent Kompany, and he gave it back to Tevez who got the winner.

There were more actions as the game went on, but neither the Citizens, nor the Red Devils were able to go any further in terms of goal scored.

2-1 the game ended in favor of Manchester City, and Manchester United will now have to do or die – when the Carling Cup semifinal’s return leg comes to Old Trafford – in order to secure their place in the final.

Watch the video highlights of “Manchester City 2-1 Manchester United” in the Wayne Rooney Video Gallery.

Isaac Asante, Footballfantalk.com

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