Manchester City - 3 ( Barry, Bellamy (2) )
Manchester United recorded a famous win over rivals Manchester City in what was probably
the best derby for decades at Old Trafford.
Michael Owen snatched a famous 95th minute winner for United which sparked scenes of jubilation for the home fans, while in contrast, ones of utter devastation for the travelling City support.
A devastated and exasperated Mark Hughes was left feeling bewildered by referee Alan Wiley's decision to allow 6 added on m
inutes of extra time which led to Owen's winner.The game itself had ever thing you expect from a local derby. Passion, tackles, goals... and even a former hero returning to haunt you.
I am of course referring to Carlos Tevez, now of Manchester City. Tevez was obviously the main focus of the game and will have been highlighted in Sir Alex Ferguson's pre-match team talk.
This however, did not stop the Argentine striker setting up two goals for City, as well as hitting the post in the first half, which would have edged City in front.
The match played out in a typical fashion for a local derby, end to end from the start. United taking the lead inside 2 minutes through a very composed finish through Wayne Rooney from 10 yards out.
City managed an equaliser however when a hesitant Ben Foster in goal, failed to clear his lines for Manchester United, Tevez pounced and calmly slided the ball across for Gareth Barry who couldn't miss with an empty goal gaping.
In the second half, United started with much more purpose and again scored early. Darren Fletcher glancing a header past Shay Given in goal, putting United back in front.
Again, City rallied and caught United on the break. Tevez again involved, setting up Craig Bellamy, who cut inside past John O'Shea and hit what was the goal of the game. A blistering strike from 20 yards into the top corner past a helpless Ben Foster.
This left United shell shocked and had to dig in deep to pull out chances that fell for Dimitar Berbatov, who was denied twice by Shay Given, from two point blank headers.
United re-took the lead shortly after, another cross from Giggs, this time from a free-kick and again, Darren Fletcher met it with another fine header to beat Given in goal.
As the 90th minute approached it was a calm United that looked to be heading to victory, until an un-characteristic mistake from Rio Ferdinand allowed Craig Bellamy to skip past the defender and slot a cool finish past Foster from a tight angle.
City were jubilant and it seemed that 3-3 would be the fair and final score, but it wasn't to be.
The fourth official indicated 4 minutes added time, which would really test City's resolve in defence.
A free kick given away by Tevez on the half way line on the 95th minute had Hughes fuming with the referee, questioning the time being allowed to continue play.
Then, from nowhere, a stray ball fell to Michael Owen inside the area, who calmly poked the ball past Given to send United fans wild. A 95th minute winner making the headlines for Owen's first league goal at Old Trafford.
4-3 it finished. An epic game for the neutral, an extra minute too much for City.
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