For the second time this season ‘Blockbuster Sunday’ turned into a golden day for the city of Manchester and a dismal day for North London as both Manchester City and Manchester United claimed victories over Tottenham and Arsenal respectively.
Back in late August both Man City and Man Utd recorded comprehensive victories over their North London rivals and they repeated the dose to keep pace with each-other at the top of the table.
In the first of the day’s games a second half stoppage time Mario Balotelli penalty ensured league leaders Manchester City of a thrilling 3-2 home win over Tottenham.
Whilst champions and the second place Manchester United kept pace with their bitter city rivals as a late Danny Welbeck strike handed them a 2-1 victory over Arsenal in a pulsating game at the Emirates.
The victories mean that Man City remain at the top of the league on 54-points, three points ahead of the second place Man Utd and eight points ahead of the Spurs whose title campaign all but ended at Etihad Stadium.
Following a scoreless first half the Sky Blues opened the scoring through former Arsenal man Samir Nasri in the 56th minute and Roberto Mancini’s side doubled their advantage just three minutes later through defender Joleon Lescott.
However just seconds after Lescott had scored the Spurs pulled one back through striker Jermain Defoe before Welsh international winger Gareth Bale equalised for the visitors in the 65th minute.
Remarkably after 56 goal-less minutes the floodgates had opened with four goals in the next nine minutes and it looked as though that would be it until Italian international Mario Balotelli earned his side a penalty after being fouled in the area by Spurs defender Ledley King.
Balotelli who will come under scrutiny following catching the Spurs midfielder Scott Parker with a kick to the head during the game stepped up and successfully converted the spot kick as the Sky Blues maintained their 100 percent home record.
Man City was hoping for reversal down at the Emirates in the day’s late kick-off but that didn’t eventuate as Sir Alex Ferguson side avenged their loss to the Gunners in the corresponding game last season.
Antonio Valencia opened the scoring for the Red Devils in first half stoppage time before Arsenal captain and league leading scorer Robin van Persie equalised for the home side with his 19th goal of the campaign in the 71st minute.
But Arsene Wenger’s side was only level for nine minutes before the visitors regained the lead they would never relinquish through a Danny Welbeck strike.
Despite the home side’s vain efforts it wasn’t enough as Arsenal has now lost three consecutive league games and remain in fifth place, five points behind the fourth place Chelsea as they lost ground on a Champions League spot.
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