May 2007
Man City 0 Man United 1
May 5th 2007 att. 47,244
Well now we know for certain. City hold the record for the lowest number of goals scored at home by a club in the leading division of the football league- just 10. If it wasn't for the flurry of away points in March and early April we would be set for relegation. There must be drastic changes in the close season as the situation at the moment is unacceptable. The take-over cannot come quickly enough to get some cash to improve the squad. Incidentally I am sure will see many exits from the present squad. United won this derby without really breaking into a sweat though City tried very hard and had Vassell scored with the penalty United might have had some uncomfortable moments before the final whistle. If Chelsea fail to beat Arsenal in their game United will be Champions. The largest crowd of the season created the best atmosphere yet at COMS helped no doubt by the free scarves!
Good to see Bert Trautmann again being introduced to the crowd before the game together with old City players from the past
Micah Richards received his City young player of the year award
A police helicopter was out and about looking for signs of trouble. Didn't they tell them Joey B was in Portugal!
Johnson came in for the suspended Barton and Beasley returned.
Nice for this group of supporters to welcome the United supporters. Don't think they were giving away prawn sandwiches
This is the incident early in the game when Michael Ball stamped his authority on Ronaldo. It might well end in a suspension when the F.A. view the TV replays
Ronaldo went through his usual histrionics and then Salford CSI had to take action about the stud marks.
I cannot remember Stuart Pearce wearing a tie at a home game before. Was this a ruse in an effort we might actually score a goal at home
Dunne heads clear watched by Giggs
The linesman has to sprint to keep up with Vassell dashing down the wing
United hit the post following a cross from Giggs but the effort would not have counted as the whistle had gone for a free kick
After 15 minutes Mpenza had a strong left foot shot saved by Van Der Sar low down.
City had a lucky escape when a Giggs corner evaded everybody to run to Ferdinand who hit he post - Isaksson catching the rebound
Rooney was having a quiet game thanks to City defending
Beasley has a shot which is saved.
After 33 minutes United took the lead. Ronaldo cut into the penalty area and was tripped by Ball
Only Ball appealed against the decision and Ronaldo got his revenge for the tackle early in the game.
Mpenza's centre is blocked by the United defence
Ten minutes into the second half we had an unwelcome visitor to the field of play and after his few moments of fame he was escorted from the ground never to return again.
Sir Alec Ferguson tries to make a point
City supporters make the most of their scarves. Hope they bring them next season!
After 62 minutes a header from Mpenza just goes wide
While the referee lectures Vidic Heinze has a go at the linesman
Referee Rob Styles gave a penalty and in the absence of Barton and Samaras who would get the short straw to have a chance to score the equalizing goal.
With just over ten minutes to go the City crowd had something to shout about when Michael Ball drove into the penalty area and was blocked by Brown
Van Der Sar was told off by the referee as he tried to delay the kick and put the kicker off.
It was noticeable that even before Vassell started his run-up - players of both sides had encroached into the area which is against Law 14. ..
The Law specifically says that when players on both sides infringe the Law then the referee must order a retake no matter if the goal is scored or not. Neither official appeared to notice the infringement.
Vassell had his shot saved by Van der Sar who managed to deflect the ball over the bar with his leg Was Vassell the best man to take the penalty... as he has missed several one on one with the keepers and I doubt whether his confidence was up to it. Paul Dickov or Mpenza would have been a better bet.
United came under pressure but their experience kept the game to the corners as they played out time to claim a one nil win and almost secure the Premiership Championship
The City and United supporters in the South Stand exchanged pleasantries at the end of the game before the City manager and players came on to give their thanks. This was a some what muted affair as many supporters had gone and they came on ever so briefly and barely touched the centre circle!
Having the record of low home scoring in the history of the league is embarrassing to say the least and not ideal to encourage seasoncard holders to rebook.
Team
Isaksson 6: Onuoha 6.5, Dunne 7.5, Distin 7, Ball 7 :Hamann 6 ( Sun 7) : Ireland 6 ( Dickov 6.5) Johnson 7, Beasley 6 (Sinclair 5) , Vassell 6: Mpenza 7
This was not a bad display by City against a strong United side who were still suffering from Milanitis . Shame Ball blotted his copybook as he is showing good form. Johnson does not look out of place but Mpenza needs support up front . Dunne and Distin remain a strong central defence . Onuoha needs to improve his distribution to keep his place when Richards returns.
