Man City have been out-performing local rivals Man Utd for several years now and in 2011 they managed probably their most famous Old Trafford win. City’s 6-1 triumph eight years ago is fondly remembered by the blue half of Manchester as a statement victory, one which stunned the ‘Theatre Of Dreams’ and underlined the shifting fortunes of the two clubs at the time.
It was a victory which sent Roberto Mancini’s side five points clear at the top of the table and further laid a platform for the club’s first ever Premier League title, which they would seal the following spring in dramatic fashion on the final day.
The win broke all sorts of long-standing records, including being the Red Devils’ worst loss at Old Trafford since 1955 and the first time they had conceded six at home since 1930.
It remains United’s heaviest defeat in the Premier League era and was the first time City had scored six in the derby since 1926. It was a monumental result and one that demonstrated one club on the up and the other seemingly heading for a fall.
The eventual five-goal margin ensured it was an emphatic outcome although there was actually little to suggest the clash would end up being so one-sided at half-time, with the visitors only 1-0 up at the break thanks to Mario Balotelli’s goal.
City had looked very dangerous going forward but were given a helping hand early in the second half when Jonny Evans was sent off, and from then on City dominated.
Balotelli made it 2-0 on the hour before Sergio Aguero extended the lead and it was quickly becoming embarrassing for Sir Alex Ferguson’s side.
They did pull a goal back through Darren Fletcher but City ran riot in the closing stages, with Edin Dzeko, twice, and David Silva both netting as red seats appeared everywhere over the famous stadium.
The fact that Mancini’s side scored three so late on adds a gloss to the scoreline that some United fans may feel was undeserved on the day.
In truth, City were vastly superior and displayed a ruthless cutting edge, with Silva, Aguero and Balotelli all virtually unstoppable in front of a midfield controlled by Gareth Barry and Yaya Toure.
United would recover to push their rivals all the way for the title over the course of the season. However, City pipped them on the final day, sensationally beating QPR at the Etihad thanks to Aguero’s memorable late goal to secure top spot on goal difference.
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