David McDonnell's Big Match Verdict: City take strength from brave performance in Manchester derby defeat
The reaction of the Manchester City fans at the final whistle was not that of a team who had just been vanquished by their arch rivals from across the city.
City had waited 35 years to win a trophy and silence the cruel taunts of United fans, only for their grip on the FA Cup to be relinquished after eight months and at the first hurdle.
But there was no time for self-recrimination or an inquest on City’s part following another epic meeting between Manchester’s football tribes, despite it ending in defeat for Roberto Mancini’s men.
If anything, as the Blues boss explained afterwards, the manner of his side’s display, playing for nearly 80 minutes with 10 men and almost coming from 3-0 down to force a replay, was something to celebrate.
United may have progressed to the next round at the expense of the holders but, for Mancini, the character his players proved to him they can go on and edge out Ferguson’s men in the title race.
Where 10-man United imploded spectacularly at Old Trafford earlier this season, buried under an avalanche of goals as City won 6-1, Mancini’s charges showed remarkable resilience when faced with the same fate.
With United leading 3-0 at the break, the visiting supporters were urging their team to eclipse the ‘noisy neighbours’ with chants of: “We want seven”. And, for a while at least, it looked as though Ferguson’s stars were ready to oblige.
But City’s impressive second-half fightback showed why Mancini believes his players have the mental resolve to march on and clinch the title, despite the lack of personnel at the Italian’s disposal.
“The feeling is good because we played a good game,” said Mancini. “I think that this is important for us in terms of the Premier League. Now we can win the league [because of the character we showed].
“United are the top squad in England, but if we can play like we did against them, with 10 players with that same attitude and same strength in every game, we will win the league. Today we took two steps forward, because my players have shown character.
“When United played with 10 men they lost 6-1 against us and they played for 40 minutes with 10 players.
“But we played for 80 minutes with 10 men and didn’t concede any chances in the second-half. We knew it was not impossible, but very difficult, to score three goals.
“United didn’t have any chances in the second-half. I’m disappointed for the result, but not with our performance. I’m proud of my players.”
A stunning free-kick by Aleksandar Kolarov and a poacher’s effort by Sergio Aguero had United hanging on at the end.
And Argentine striker Aguero said on Twitter: “I seldom try to find excuses or comment on the referees. But the unfair expulsion of Vincent Kompany conditioned the whole game.
“Despite losing, I believe we leave the field strengthened. We almost equalised against all odds. With this attitude, anything is possible.”
Of bigger concern to Mancini and City will be the imminent loss of skipper Kompany, his most accomplished defender, for four games following the straight red card he received for a two-footed lunge on Nani.
The dismissal means he will miss both legs of City’s Carling Cup semi-final against Liverpool, as well as Premier League games against Wigan and Tottenham, pivotal games in their season.
The Belgian had previously been sent off this season, hence the additional game suspension for a straight red that usually carries a three-match penalty.
No wonder City are launching an appeal.
The Premier League leaders can ill-afford to lose Kompany at any time, but least of all with the Toure brothers now on Africa Cup of Nations duty.
Mancini’s multi-million pound squad is stretched to breaking point through the Ivorians’ enforced absence, as well as a number of injuries.
Kompany shared Mancini’s sense of pride at his team’s display, writing on his Twitter account: “The fans, the players and every single person involved with Man City FC were incredible today.
“Definitely the moral winners of this game.”
It was hard to disagree with his sentiment, despite the final result.
Ferguson was typically churlish in his analysis of City’s second-half display. “We made them look better than they were,” said the United boss, unable to give credit where it was due.
That will not matter to Mancini or his players this morning.United may have landed the plum fourth round tie at Liverpool, but City scored a major psychological blow ahead of the rematch at the Etihad Stadium on April 28 which may ultimately decide the title.
Man City 2-3 Man United: Fergie's men survive nervy finish to see off neighbours
Column
Crass of the Day: Why Gary Lineker should be ashamed of his xenophobic mocking of Arsene Wenger
Columnists 11:07 03/05/12Shame on Gary Lineker. His mockery, stupid French accent and derision of Arsene Wenger at the end of... Read More+
Column
Stop rewriting history: Hodgson may have got it, but Redknapp is still the better man for the job
Darren Lewis 10:45 03/05/12The revisionism surrounding Harry Redknapp this week has been an education to behold. Suddenly his f... Read More+
Column
Big Match Verdict on Chelsea 0-2 Newcastle: Torres has been transformed in a week
John Cross 22:27 02/05/12Fernando Torres has been transformed in little over a week. In fact, the Spaniard was the odd man ou... Read More+
