Manchester derby at Old Trafford concludes with disappointing draw
Manchester United and Manchester City played to a disappointing 0-0 draw in the Premier League on Sunday, a lackluster derby that hindered City's pursuit of Champions League qualification. Without their leading scorer Erling Haaland due to...
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Manchester United and Manchester City played to a disappointing 0-0 draw in the Premier League on Sunday, a lackluster derby that hindered City's pursuit of Champions League qualification.
Without their leading scorer Erling Haaland due to injury, Pep Guardiola's squad finds themselves in fifth place with 52 points, while United sits in 13th with 38 points.
"Tight game. They had chances. We had chances as well," Guardiola remarked. "The only problem is we moved too much with the ball. We had to be in the right position and we didn't do that."
Both teams are going through challenging seasons, which was reflected in the limited number of clear opportunities created, particularly during a dull first half at a sunlit Old Trafford.
The first goalless derby since 2020 came alive after halftime as City’s Omar Marmoush unleashed a powerful shot from 25 yards that required a spectacular save from United's goalkeeper Andre Onana.
Midway through the second half, United’s Joshua Zirkzee had the best chance for his team, turning and firing a half-volley that forced City keeper Ederson to make an impressive two-handed stop.
This match marked United's first clean sheet at Old Trafford since their 4-0 victory over Everton on December 1, 2024.
In contrast to this encounter, the last derby was much more thrilling, with United pulling off a surprising 2-1 victory over the defending champions at Etihad Stadium, highlighted by late goals from Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo.
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Fulham interrupted Liverpool's march towards the Premier League title with a well-earned 3-2 victory on Sunday, taking advantage of shoddy defending to strengthen their chances of qualifying for European competition next season.
Liverpool took an early lead through Alexis Mac Allister’s brilliant long-range shot, but Fulham responded decisively, netting three goals in a span of just 14 minutes. Ryan Sessegnon scored with a fantastic first-time volley after right-back Curtis Jones failed to clear a cross. Then, following a series of errors from Andy Robertson, Alex Iwobi capitalized to score. Rodrigo Muniz capped off the comeback with an elegant finish that slipped through goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher’s legs after outmaneuvering Virgil van Dijk to win the ball.
Conor Bradley set up Luis Diaz, who instinctively netted a goal with almost 20 minutes remaining, but Fulham managed to secure the win despite Liverpool's pressure toward the end.
"At 3-2 they put us more under pressure, but until that we were the better team by far on the pitch," Fulham manager Marco Silva stated to Sky Sports.
Silva praised his team's resilience following a midweek loss to Arsenal and a disappointing defeat to Crystal Palace in the FA Cup quarterfinal the previous weekend.
"To be losing after two defeats is tough, but to then react and score three goals in the first 45 minutes and show the resilience in the second half, what a way to bounce back," he noted.
Liverpool remains at the top of the table with 73 points from 31 matches, 11 points clear of Arsenal. They need a maximum of 11 points from their remaining seven games to secure the title, which appears almost certain, but their recent performances may give concern to manager Arne Slot.
Lucas Dupont for TROIB News
Without their leading scorer Erling Haaland due to injury, Pep Guardiola's squad finds themselves in fifth place with 52 points, while United sits in 13th with 38 points.
"Tight game. They had chances. We had chances as well," Guardiola remarked. "The only problem is we moved too much with the ball. We had to be in the right position and we didn't do that."
Both teams are going through challenging seasons, which was reflected in the limited number of clear opportunities created, particularly during a dull first half at a sunlit Old Trafford.
The first goalless derby since 2020 came alive after halftime as City’s Omar Marmoush unleashed a powerful shot from 25 yards that required a spectacular save from United's goalkeeper Andre Onana.
Midway through the second half, United’s Joshua Zirkzee had the best chance for his team, turning and firing a half-volley that forced City keeper Ederson to make an impressive two-handed stop.
This match marked United's first clean sheet at Old Trafford since their 4-0 victory over Everton on December 1, 2024.
In contrast to this encounter, the last derby was much more thrilling, with United pulling off a surprising 2-1 victory over the defending champions at Etihad Stadium, highlighted by late goals from Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo.
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Fulham interrupted Liverpool's march towards the Premier League title with a well-earned 3-2 victory on Sunday, taking advantage of shoddy defending to strengthen their chances of qualifying for European competition next season.
Liverpool took an early lead through Alexis Mac Allister’s brilliant long-range shot, but Fulham responded decisively, netting three goals in a span of just 14 minutes. Ryan Sessegnon scored with a fantastic first-time volley after right-back Curtis Jones failed to clear a cross. Then, following a series of errors from Andy Robertson, Alex Iwobi capitalized to score. Rodrigo Muniz capped off the comeback with an elegant finish that slipped through goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher’s legs after outmaneuvering Virgil van Dijk to win the ball.
Conor Bradley set up Luis Diaz, who instinctively netted a goal with almost 20 minutes remaining, but Fulham managed to secure the win despite Liverpool's pressure toward the end.
"At 3-2 they put us more under pressure, but until that we were the better team by far on the pitch," Fulham manager Marco Silva stated to Sky Sports.
Silva praised his team's resilience following a midweek loss to Arsenal and a disappointing defeat to Crystal Palace in the FA Cup quarterfinal the previous weekend.
"To be losing after two defeats is tough, but to then react and score three goals in the first 45 minutes and show the resilience in the second half, what a way to bounce back," he noted.
Liverpool remains at the top of the table with 73 points from 31 matches, 11 points clear of Arsenal. They need a maximum of 11 points from their remaining seven games to secure the title, which appears almost certain, but their recent performances may give concern to manager Arne Slot.
Lucas Dupont for TROIB News
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