Foden Shines as Man City Dominate Weak Man United in Crushing Victory

It was a derby thrill for Manchester City, who came from behind to defeat rivals Manchester United on Sunday, thanks to star player Phil Foden, who scored twice before Erling Haaland added the finishing touch.

The 3-1 win kept them within one point of Premier League leader Liverpool ahead of their encounter next weekend.

Marcus Rashford’s spectacular shot had given United a surprising lead at the Etihad.

Haaland was then guilty of a miss that will go down in Premier League history, firing over with an open goal just before halftime.

Foden ensured City did not slip up in the title chase by blasting into the top corner to level and finishing calmly 10 minutes later.

Haaland then scored his sixth goal in four Premier League derbies versus United to make amends for his previous miss.

United’s 11th league defeat of the season left Erik ten Hag’s team 11 points behind the top four with 11 games remaining.

The former Ajax manager was enraged that City’s equaliser stood after claiming Rashford had been fouled at the opposite end seconds before.

However, United may have few complaints after being completely outplayed by their opponents for nearly the entire match.

Rashford turned on his detractors this week, responding to doubts about his commitment.

For the majority of this season, the England international has been a pale copy of the forward who scored 30 goals last season, but he flashed a glimpse of his potential when he opened the scoring after eight minutes.

City pleaded in vain for an offside flag against Bruno Fernandes, who laid the ball back for Rashford to hit a magnificent long-range shot off the underside of the bar.

Pep Guardiola’s side controlled from that point forward, but were held at bay for nearly an hour by sloppy finishing and some excellent goalkeeping by Andre Onana.

The Cameroonian foiled Foden twice when clean through, while Rodri was denied by a brilliant stop low to his left.

Rashford should have extended United’s lead before the break.

Ruben Dias’ slip put Rashford clean through, but a weak touch allowed Kyle Walker to come back and clear.

United’s lead held until halftime, but only thanks to a moment that will be remembered for years to come.

City finally shredded the opponents’ massive defence when Foden headed Rodri’s cross back across goal, allowing Haaland to finish.

However, he miraculously turned the ball over with a goal gaping from point blank range.

The Red Devils’ rearguard action was finally undone when Foden equaled Rashford’s first-half goal.

Ten Hag was upset that Rashford had not been given a foul at the other end, but he appeared to fall down too easily when Walker made contact with him.

Rodri picked out Foden, who cut inside and fired a powerful shot into the top corner.

A beautiful one-two between Foden and Julian Alvarez allowed the England international to score the game-winner, his 18th of the season.

Haaland’s redemption capped a successful afternoon for the English champs.

Rodri dispossessed Sofyan Amrabat and set up the Norwegian to curl beyond Onana.

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