Anticipation for the 2009-10 English Premier League derby match between Manchester United and Manchester City was at an all time high as Manchester City made the short trip to Old Trafford to face the 18 time English champions Manchester United.
The match was significant for 2 reasons. For a long time, City have been in the shadow of their more illustrious counterparts, but the Citizens are now the richest team in the world and manager Mark Hughes has put together a team good enough to take on the best in the world. Before the match, City had been unbeaten and winning at the champions den would have inflicted a psychological blow in the early stages of the competition.
The match would also see the return of Carlos Tevez to Old Trafford. Tevez had successfully recovered from injury and was keen to prove a point after the reluctance of Red Devils manager Alex Ferguson to sign him on a permanent contract last season.
The match started well for the home team, with Wayne Rooney dancing past the City defence and scoring in the 2nd minute. But Carlos Tevez, forced yet another error from United goalkeeper Ben Foster and squared the ball to Gareth Barry to equalize. 1-1 was the score at half time with Manchester City looking threatening.
If the 1st half was entertaining, the 2nd was breathtaking as Darren Fletcher capitalized on some poor City defending to score 2 headed goals. Craig Bellamy equalized both times, the 2nd on the stroke of full time. City just would not lie down and a credible draw was imminent. But with nearly the last kick of the game, up popped Michael Owen to score the winner for the Red Devils after an incredible 7 minutes of injury time was played in what was possibly the best Manchester derby match in a long time.
Is Manchester United still the best team in Manchester? The Red Devils fans have bragging rights until the return trip at the City of Manchester stadium, but with Emmanuel Adebayor back from suspension, City will surely be looking for revenge.
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