Man City beats Man United 1-0 to top EPL
BY Associated Press
Tuesday, May 01, 2012
5/01/12 at 4:56 AM
MANCHESTER, England (AP) - Vincent Kompany's powerful header gave Manchester City a 1-0 win against Manchester United on Monday to overtake its rival for the Premier League lead with two games remaining.
In what had been billed as the biggest Manchester derby ever, Kompany connected with David Silva's corner kick for the only goal in first-half stoppage time at the Etihad Stadium. City then held on for a potentially title-deciding victory; it leads United on goal difference and once again has matters in its own hands, having erased an eight-point deficit in three weeks.
"Absolutely buzzing. ... We've been waiting for this moment," Kompany said. "It's far from over, and we know that, but just to give our fans two wins over Manchester United this season - we have to finish it off."
City still has a difficult job remaining as it next visits fifth-place Newcastle United, then hosts relegation-threatened Queens Park Rangers in the remaining games. United finishes against Swansea at home and Sunderland away.
"It's great to win tonight, but Newcastle is now our focus," City goalkeeper Joe Hart said.
City has an eight-goal differential over United.
As the crosstown rivals have been locked in a two-way fight for the title for most of the season, this game had been hyped even more than usual. The entertainment level was not nearly as high as the stakes.
The game featured few clear scoring chances for either side.
While United ventured forward in the opening minutes, it was City that controlled possession in the first half and came close in the 25th minute. Sergio Aguero volleyed off target from an angle. That chance had the City supporters on their feet - including Aguero's father-in-law, Argentina great Diego Maradona, watching from an executive box.
United seemed happy to soak up City's attacks knowing a draw would all but end City's title hopes. That plan backfired in first-half stoppage time.
Original Print Headline: Manchester City slips past Man. United, 1-0
