Tensions run high at Manchester Derby
Saturday was a big day for football fans of both Manchester teams with Manchester United and Manchester City going up against each other to fight for a place in the FA Cup final. At full-time it was Manchester City who were victorious and the first time they had reached the final by beating Manchester United in 30 years. The 1-0 win was cemented when Yaya Toure scored in the seventh minute of the second half.
Celebrations were thwarted slightly, however, when controversial player, Mario Balotelli, had an altercation with Rio Ferdinand. The two players had to be pulled apart when the situation became somewhat heated, with Balotelli following up with a wink to provoke the situation further.
Speaking of Balotelli, David Platt, Manchester City’s first team coach said, “His performance on the pitch showed a great deal more maturity, the scenes at the final whistle should not have happened but let’s not let that mar what was a great day for us.”
In terms of the actual game, Mancini must have felt understandably relieved after a disappointing 3-0 defeat against Liverpool last Monday. However, before the game he declared his belief that the team could reach the FA Cup final and also the Champion’s League next season. City were obviously able to cope with the absence of Carlos Tevez more than United could without Wayne Rooney. The final nail in the coffin for United came when Paul Scholes got a red card after a high and late challenge on Pablo Zabaleta.
