Derby Day Memories: Manchester City vs Manchester United, 5th May 2007
By Ollie Slack
In the next instalment of ‘Derby Day Memories’, we travel 11 years forward to a crucial game in the race for the title. It was the third Manchester Derby at the new City Of Manchester (later, Etihad) stadium.
With only three games to play in the Premier League season, this Manchester Derby was one of the latest played in a season. 35 games gone and Manchester United were top of the league. City, on the other hand, were safe, but down in 13th.
A win for Sir Alex Ferguson’s men could clinch the title, knowing Chelsea would have to equal the result at the Emirates a day later. Could Manchester United grasp one hand on the trophy at their local rivals Manchester City?
The match report
Manchester City provided a free scarf to supporters as a “thank you” for their support throughout the season. And as both teams entered the cauldron of the Etihad, the atmosphere certainly wasn’t cheap.
Emile Mpenza had the first real chance of the match. Nemanja Vidic headed away Dietmar Hamman’s free-kick. The ball broke to the German forward on the edge of the box who unleashed a volley straight at Van Der Sar.
United grew into the game and were displaying all the only real quality. The movement of Rooney and Ronaldo up front causing City problems. But it was Rio Ferdinand who came closest without scoring. His header hit the crossbar, after being flicked on by Ronaldo from Ryan Giggs’ corner.
Manchester United’s pressure paid off. And it was the Red Devils top goalscorer Cristiano Ronaldo who opened the scoring. Michael Ball got his just rewards as he conceded the penalty, bringing down Ronaldo in the box.
As expected, Ronnie slotted the penalty away under immense pressure. It was the Portuguese winger’s 17th and final goal of the Premier League season.
The pattern of the first half continued similarly in the second. However, it was Manchester City who were awarded a spot kick. Michael Ball, involved again, ran into Wes Brown and Rob Styles pointed to the spot for the second time in the afternoon.
Kyle Vassell stepped up to take it. Much like Manchester City’s performance in the match – overly aggressive with no quality – the striker smashed the ball from 12 yards into Van Der Sar’s sprawling legs. A combined effort of United players and Van Der Sar shoved the ball out of play and Manchester United held on for a dramatic victory.
What happened next…
Manchester United took a great step to winning the title. Moving eight points clear of second place Chelsea with the Blues having only three games to go. Chelsea couldn’t afford to slip up anymore. They had to win every game and hope Sir Alex Ferguson’s men lost them all.
However, Jose Mourinho and his Chelsea side drew with Arsenal at the Emirates. The Barclays Premier League title was heading back up north and to Old Trafford for the first time in four years. Manchester United claimed their ninth Premier League trophy and 16th top flight-title, now only three behind Liverpool.
Next: Derby Day Memories - Manchester City vs Manchester United, 6th April 1996