EPL: RvP’s Late Goal Seals Manchester Derby in Favor of United; Wins 3-2

A Robin Van Persie’s late free-kick goal in the 90+2 minute settled the first Manchester derby of the season in favor of the Reds as United beat their arch rivals (or noisy neighbors if you are a Reds fan) City 3-2 in a thrilling match played at Etihad Stadium on December 9 to go six points clear at the top of the EPL points table.

A brace from Wayne Rooney in the first half had put United in the driving seat before the English champions made a comeback. Balotelli, who started the match, was replaced by Tevez in the second half and City’s attack became more potent. Yaya Toure pulled one back in the 60th minute before Pablo Zabaleta’s thunderous kick in the 86th minute sent the Etihad crowds wild to level the score at 2-2. A silly foul by Tevez on Rafae late-on in the match set up RvP free kick, which ultimately was the deciding factor of this thrilling encounter.

This win ended Manchester City’s 37-game Premier League unbeaten run at Etihad Stadium and it was their first league lost the season. Rooney now has 10 goals to his credit in Manchester derby matches. Manchester United still tops EPL points table with 39 points from 16 matches.