United claims dramatic derby as City woes continue
Amad Diallo inspired a remarkable late turnaround as Manchester United came from behind to seal a dramatic 2-1 derby victory over Manchester City at Etihad Stadium.
Out-of-form City looked set to move within six points of Premier League leader Liverpool after Josko Gvardiol's header put it in the ascendency in the first half.
Kevin De Bruyne played a one-two with Ilkay Gundogan from a corner, with his deflected cross being powered home by Gvardiol at the far post.
However, Pep Guardiola's side was far from its best throughout the contest and was hit with two late sucker punches, with Diallo playing a central role in both goals.
The 22-year-old seized upon a dreadful back pass from Matheus Nunes before being fouled by the Portugal international for an 88th-minute penalty, which Bruno Fernandes converted to wipe out City's lead.
Diallo then darted onto Lisandro Martinez's long ball forward with stoppage-time looming, beating Ederson with an excellent first touch before tucking home the winner from a tight angle.
After a statement win for its new boss Ruben Amorim, United climbed to 12th and is now just five points adrift of City, which remains fifth, nine points off the top.
Fernandes was full of praise for 22-year-old Diallo after his match-winning contribution, but insisted he must not rest on his laurels.
"He has been doing well, he has been doing great things and there is still a lot to come from him," the United skipper said.
"He showed again today he is always alive. That is why he gets the penalty, why he gets the goal. He has been brilliant. When he is like this, he is unstoppable.
"I just want him to keep working, that is what he has been doing. It is great what he did today but I am sure he can do this every week. We want this week in, week out. He is now getting his chances, deservedly."
"We wanted to win this game. It was not easy," Amad added. "In the second half, we pressed well, we wanted to win, and we showed today that we can win any game. Let's enjoy it today and look forward to the next game."
Guardiola suggested "I am not good enough" after the game.
"Not much to say. No defence, they were incredibly persistent. We have not lost eight games in two seasons. We can't defend that. It's not about this or that player," he said.
"We gave away goals, our fault. We don't play with composure. The results are not good. The game was not exceptional. I know the situation, I understand, but the reality is this.
"They have to know that these situations happen. In the box, you have to be careful. It's not about Matheus [Nunes], he played really well in what is not his usual position at full-back.
"But it's not about that, we have to play better. The way I learn is to keep going. I'm not good enough. I am the boss, the manager, I have to find solutions and, so far, I haven't. That's the reality.
"We want to play better, create chances. But, at the moment, it's not possible."
Guardiola acknowledged his side's recent form, suggesting their current crisis is getting increasingly desperate with every defeat.
"This year, it has happened many times, unfortunately. We gave away many things. We are not nice in the way we played," he continued.
"Before, it was so fluid. Now, we're struggling for different reasons. A lot of defeats. We put everything in and the game was almost closed.
"They had more possession in the first half, but nothing special. We gave away two goals. It's very difficult.
"It is what it is. What can I say? We can not blame this player or that one, it's not that. It's the season, a tough season.
"We have to move on and try to find the solution and try to win games. At the moment, we need results to lift our mood. It's getting worse and worse."
Amorim suggested United channelled "Fergie time" – coined during the Alex Ferguson years when the Red Devils were renowned for late winners – in their remarkable comeback.
"It was incredible," Amorim said. "I think we deserved it.
"It was a very tough match, but we believe until the end. We managed to score, we needed that win, it was important for us and for our fans.
"We were in the game for 90 minutes and that is very good. We talk about the Arsenal game; we played well in the first half, but they were not believing that we could win. Today was so much more different.
"I also believe. Then we have Fergie time, and we put the things together and something magic happened. It was a good day for us.
"They [the fans] need it. Just like us, but you can see the way they celebrate is special. But we need to continue. Our club needs to win these kinds of matches. I understand the happiness of our fans, but we need to continue.
"With a victory for City, the performance was the same. We need to improve a lot of things, but today the guys deserved the win. They were in it until the last minute and that is important for us."
