Manchester Derby Series: My 10 Most Iconic

The Manchester derby. A game steeped in history. I'm not going to get into the 'which is the greatest derby' debate - around where I'm from, there is no debate, and I'm sure that's the same argument in Liverpool, Athens, Milan or Madrid. This post is very much about the most iconic moments (in my lifetime) of the Manchester derby. I have said this in a number of my previous posts, but I am a lifelong City fan, and as such, the list below is unashamedly weighted in favour of the Blues.

I will say one thing in my defence, however. In my lifetime (23 years and counting), my early experiences of Manchester derbies were negative from my perspective. However, this was always the expected outcome, and as a result, I would not consider many of those games 'iconic' in the relationship. As I got older, I found that United began to struggle more and more against City, perhaps underestimating their local rivals. Since 2008, the dynamic has shifted, and we have seen many more dramatic moments, and these dominate my list.

1. Manchester City 1-1 Manchester United (Maine Road, April 21, 2001)
As I mentioned, the majority of my earliest memories of the Manchester derby are negative, and as a result, perhaps I have willingly forgotten most of them. However, one moment that does stand out in my early years is 'that tackle'. And by tackle, I mean violent assault. A moment completely out of keeping with the rest of the game, petering out towards a dull 1-1 draw. However, Roy Keane's long-standing personal rivalry with Alf-Inge Haaland boiled over in stoppage time with a quite disgraceful kick to the knee. In my opinion, the United man was lucky to escape prison for assault (not being melodramatic - look at the law) and Haaland was never the same player.

2. Manchester City 3-1 Manchester United (Maine Road, November 9, 2002)
My first positive memory. The final Manchester derby to take place at Maine Road was all about one man: Shaun Goater. The legendary City striker followed an early strike from Nicolas Anelka to turn the game decisively in the Blues favour. Capitalising on a Gary Neville mistake that few City fans will let him forget, Goater put City back in front before half time, before lifting a neat finish over Fabien Barthez after an hour to secure the points and claim his 100th goal in City colours.

3. Manchester United 1-2 Manchester City (Old Trafford, February 10, 2008)
With the controversial Thaksin Shinawatra in control of affairs at City, the Blues had spent over £25m on talent including Elano, Bianchi, Corluka and most recently Benjani. It was the latter that would have the biggest impact in this game. However, with a United side including Rooney, Ronaldo, Vidic and Tevez, especially on the 50th anniversary of the Munich air disaster, no-one gave City a hope of a result. However, goals from Darius Vassell and a debut strike from Benjani meant that Joe Hart's superb rearguard action meant that City claimed their first league double over their rivals for 38 years.

4. Manchester United 4-3 Manchester City (Old Trafford, September 20, 2009)
Arguably the most dramatic and thrilling Manchester derby of all time. Heartbreaking from my perspective (along with being a little more than suspect timekeeping), but Michael Owen's 96th minute killed the 'noisy neighbours' challenge. A match with more than a few sub-plots, including Carlos Tevez returning to the home of his former side, but it was Mark Hughes who was left fuming at the final whistle. The prime example of 'Fergie Time' handed United the points and ended City's unbeaten league start.

5. Manchester City 2-1 Manchester United (City of Manchester Stadium, January 19, 2010)

Further to the earlier sub-plot, Tevez had a point to prove in the Carling Cup Semi Final First Leg at home to United. Having been disappointing at the classic at Old Trafford, Tevez got his opportunity to shove United chants back down their throats, stepping up to take a 40th minute penalty after City had fallen behind. After a few words from Wayne Rooney, Tevez almost took the net off with his spot kick before turning the match in the Blues' favour, nodding in on the hour mark. Though United went on to win the two-legged tie, Tevez had made his point to his former employers.

6. Manchester United 2-1 Manchester City (Old Trafford, February 12, 2011)
The Goal of the Premier League - apparently. With the match delicately poised at 1-1 going into the final 15 minutes, Wayne Rooney came up with a brilliant piece of shin-work to claim all three points. Despite my jokes, Rooney as the leading goal scorer in Manchester derby history must have done something right! And the technique has to be appreciated, even if it doesn't come firmly off his boot. Who would have thought that that would have been United's last victory against City at Old Trafford?

7. Manchester City 1-0 Manchester United (Wembley, April 16, 2011)

Without any doubt from my perspective, the kick starter for Manchester City's recent success was the victory against United at Wembley in the FA Cup. After being under the cosh for the majority of the first half, an error from Michael Carrick handed Yaya Toure the chance to slide the ball under van der Sar and hand City a return trip to Wembley. Another memory of mine was a disgraceful high challenge by Paul Scholes on Pablo Zabaleta that was slightly reminiscent of the Roy Keane GBH (though without the same intent).

8. Manchester United 1-6 Manchester City (Old Trafford, October 23, 2011)

The greatest derby of my lifetime (although of course I would say that!). One of the only moments that enigmatic striker Mario Balotelli came to the party, with his 'Why Always Me' shirt already an iconic moment in Premier League history. The match that Sir Alex Ferguson claimed was his 'worst moment in football', and the heaviest home defeat for Manchester United since 1955. The final few minutes were quite incredible, with 10-man United ripped apart on multiple occasions, resulting in three injury time goals.

9. Manchester City 1-0 Manchester United (Etihad Stadium, April 30, 2012)

If the 6-1 win at Old Trafford was a statement to the champions at the time, the game in April at the Etihad was the hammer blow. City had been roaring back in the league to bring the eight point gap back to three before the derby just three games from the end, putting huge emphasis on the game. As it was, a thunderous header from Vincent Kompany handed City the inertia and momentum going into the final two games. This goal was possibly just as important as that late late strike from Sergio Aguero against QPR.

10. Manchester City 4-1 Manchester United (Etihad Stadium, September 22, 2013)

With both teams having changed managers going into the new season, this was an entirely different dynamic, particularly for United. And so it proved. This game simply demonstrated the changing dynamic of the relationship between the two clubs, with City firmly on the up and United taking a downward trajectory. The emphatic defeat put further pressure on David Moyes and instantly lifted Manuel Pellegrini to hero status.

The relationship between the two clubs has changed dramatically in my lifetime. From growing up expecting nothing from derby day, and often dreading going to school the following day, I now look at today's derby thinking that anything other than three points is a significant disappointment. City's star seems to have been on a meteoric rise in the last 7 years, while United are firmly in the middle of an identity crisis following the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson.

As a City fan, long may it continue, but it takes a brave person to predict a derby, particularly involving two such large clubs.

Super League Grand Final: Tale of Two Halves Leaves Warriors Champs

                         After 9 months of drama, agony, injury and exertion, it all came down to 80 minutes in the heart of Salford. In my opinion, the two best sides in the Super League this year, certainly the two most attractive rugby sides to watch, Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves, met at Old Trafford last night to battle for the most prestigious prize in British Rugby League. With plenty of W's in the team names, we were always going to be in for an entertaining game, and my word they did not disappoint.

                          Warrington, after the heartbreak of the Grand Final defeat to Leeds Rhinos just 12 months earlier, were looking to secure their first title since 1955. Considering their recent revival, that they are yet to win the ultimate prize is somewhat surprising. Their star-studded line-up have once again proven themselves up to the test this season, and they would need to perform to their potential if they were to win on the biggest stage. The rather remarkable thing is that not a single Wolves player managed to make it into the Super League Dream Team this year. Lee Briers, Joel Monaghan and Stefan Ratchford have been particularly impressive, and going forward they would be the most potent threat to the Wigan line. In order to deal with Wigan attacks, Simon Grix and Micky Higham would have to be organised and strong to repel the Warriors. Today would also be a very special day for forward Adrian Morley. Starting on the bench, the 36-year-old would be playing his last game for Warrington, after agreeing a deal to take him to his hometown club, Salford Red Devils, next year, for what would possibly be his final season as a professional. After 6 years of excellent service, spanning over 100 games, few Warrington fans will forget him in a hurry.

                             Warrington's route to the Grand Final in the play-offs was hardly straightforward. They began with a home tie against defending champions Leeds Rhinos, the very side that knocked them out in last year's showpiece. Here, home advantage, and an extra year's experience paid dividends for the Wire, who ran out comfortable 40-20 winners. With Huddersfield being beaten in the other qualifying play-off, Warrington, having finished 2nd in the regular season, recieved the Club Call, meaning that they could select their semi-final opponents. With both Huddersfield and Leeds winning their preliminary semis, it meant that the Wire only had a choice between the league leaders and the reigning champions. Interestingly, despite having beaten Leeds just prior, they chose Huddersfield for their semi final. In a tense, edgy game, Warrington took their chances when required to ensure that it was they that reached their second consecutive Super League Grand Final, winning by 30-22.

                                Wigan, in contrast, were not looking to rectify any mistakes from the campaign. Rather their only aim was to complete the double, and join an elite group of clubs to have achieved that feat, the last of which was St Helens in 2006. Having claimed the Challenge Cup in August, after a superb shut-out victory over Hull FC at Wembley, they wanted to add the Super League to that success. Going forward, players like Josh Charnley, Sam Tomkins and Sean O'Loughlin have all had exceptional seasons, the latter being shortlisted for the Man of Steel award, and all would be expected to contribute massively to any success. Defensively, Liam Farrell and Darrell Goulding would need to be at their best to keep out a free-scoring Warrington attack. Just like the Wire, this was a special occasion for a couple of the Warriors' players. Sam Tomkins, the Wigan full-back, has been in the headlines in recent weeks, after his decision to leave Britain for the NRL side New Zealand Warriors at the end of the season. At a reported fee of £700,000, the full back has become the most expensive player in Rugby League history. This incredible when you compare it to the £85 Million that Real Madrid have forked out for the services of Gareth Bale. It would also be a momentous day for long-serving winger Pat Richards. After a Wigan career spanning 7 years and over 150 appearances, the 31 year old will also be returning to the NRL, choosing to join up with old club Wests Tigers. A true Warriors club legend, his legacy at the club is assured, having masterminded Wigan's last Super League success in 2010.

                                   The Warriors' journey to Old Trafford was no less complicated than that of their opponents. In fact, it was almost identical. Having played a spirited Huddersfield side in their qualification play-off, the Warriors managed to overcome their Yorkshire opponents, winning by 22-8. After Warrington's Club Choice, and Leeds's narrow win over St Helens in their preliminary semi, it meant that Wigan had the reigning champions to play in their semi-final. In another tight and nervy affair, Wigan held their nerve in the big game, dealing Leeds their first semi-final defeat in three years. A 22-12 victory ensured that Wigan would return Old Trafford for the first time in 3 years, since the scene of their last famous victory in 2010.

                                     However, statistics between the two sides did not favour the side from Greater Manchester. Warrington finished the league season above Wigan by some 6 points, and were unbeaten against the Warriors in the league, winning at the Halliwell Jones after drawing at the DW at the start of the season. Whilst some claim that statistics count for nothing in sport, I often disagree. It tends to indicate how teams perform in pressure matches, and will inevitably play on the minds of both sets of players involved, with one feeling invincible, and the other feeling pressurised to break the bad spell of results. Starting the game, Wigan will have known that Warrington have historically performed better against them, and as a result, started brightly. Whilst the opening 10 minutes passed without points, it did not go without incident. In only the fourth minute, Blake Green was left bloodied and battered by what appeared to be a robust challenge. Having consulted the video, it was revealed that Ben Westwood punched the Wigan man, leaving him prostrate on the floor, requiring oxygen to continue. After a few minutes, Green, sporting a black eye, re-entered the fray, and the officials placed Westwood on report. Having seen the incident a few times, I think that the Warrington defender was fortunate not to be sin-binned at least, which would have left his side vulnerable.

                                        After the game had settled, Wigan opened the scoring with a Pat Richards penalty. In the early stages, the Greater Manchester side were in the ascendency, and looked like extended their flimsy 2 point advantage. However, a mid-period Warrington revival turned the game on its head. Three tries in 5 minutes left the Wire 16-2 up as half time approached. First, Joel Monaghan produced a fantastic catch from a Lee Briers crossfield kick to touch down in the corner to hand Warrington the lead. This score came completely against the run of play, and started an incredible period of dominance for the Wolves. Just three minutes later, Simon Grix capitalised on an uncharacteristic error from the usually dependable Pat Richards, before powering over. Stefan Ratchford then converted the try to further extend the advantage. Only another 2 minutes had passed when Ben Westwood, who was fortunate to be on the pitch, smashed through the Wigan defence from close range. Another Ratchford conversion left the score at 16-2, and left the Wigan fans and players stunned. They desperately needed to regroup, and they needed a leader to take the game by the scruff of its neck.

                                         The moments leading up to half time were disastrous for the Wolves however. Joel Monaghan, who had been one of the most influential players for Warrington in the first half, had to be removed from the field on a stretcher, after a nasty looking injury. This was compounded by arguably the most important moment of the match, which occurred just 2 minutes before the break. A moment that saw the momentum swing once again, as a sweeping Wigan move saw Darrell Goulding cross in the corner. Though Richards missed the conversion attempt, Wigan will have gone into half time much happier at 16-6 than the 16-2 that it was just seconds earlier. This momentum shift was even more evident after the break, when a quite incredible turn of events saw the game turn 180 degrees. Less than 10 minutes after the restart, Wigan had closed the gap even further. Sloppy Warrington defending allowed dummy half Michael McIlorum to squirm through to reduce the deficit to a single score. With the Wire now well and truly on the ropes, Wigan pressed forwards to try an regain the lead. Just four minutes later, they had it. A little grubber kick from Darrell Goulding was seized upon by Josh Charnley, and the predatory finisher had little trouble finding his way to the try line. After a brief discussion with the video ref, the try was awarded, and the conversion handed Wigan a remarkable 18-16 lead.

                                             As the game ticked into its final quarter, Warrington looked every inch a beaten side. Stefan Ratchford was also forced from the field with an injury, depriving the Wolves of yet another important creative player. Wigan landed the killer punch with just 15 minutes to go, as Blake Green caught Adrian Morley out with a dummy, taking advantage to go over under the posts. The conversion meant that the game was now 2 scores away from Warrington, and effectively out of their hands. Warrington looked shell-shocked, and were hit with a final sucker punch just 5 minutes from time. The fairytale ending for Pat Richards, the Wigan veteran touching down in the corner before converting to rubber stamp Wigan's double winning season. The perfect way to go out, and few would deny the winger the success that his performances have more than merited. However, the Harry Sunderland Man of the Match Trophy belonged to Blake Green. Having started the game flat on his back, having been walloped by Westwood, the Wigan half-back played himself into the game, before touching down the crucial try. An excellent performance, and well deserved accolade. With that came the last action, meaning that the scoring finished at 30-16.

                                              Few that had seen the scoreline at half time would have believed that this outcome was possible. An incredible 28 unanswered points from Wigan, including a complete shut-out in the second half, meant that the Warriors deservedly regained the Super League trophy. Wigan's trophy cabinet at the DW Stadium will be rather full at the minute, as the Warriors have done the Challenge Cup and Super League double, and the football side currently hold the FA Cup. For Warrington, their 58 year wait for the Super League continues, but if it is any consolation, the Wire are getting closer, and have every chance of claiming the ultimate prize next year. This game was a pulsating and enthralling advert for the Super League, and a microcosm of the season as a whole: exciting, unpredictable, full-blooded, passionate and pure entertainment.

The Ashes 2013: 3rd Test, Emirates Old Trafford: Rain Retains Ashes

                       Typical Manchester. Hailing from the city myself, I am all too aware of the daily potential for rain, with the weekly forecast rarely completely absent of the dark clouds and two drop symbols. However, after the recent heatwave, my hopes were initially high that we would see a result at Old Trafford, with a full 5 days play looking on the cards. After the result at Lord's, it appeared as though five days would not even be necessary, with the English rampant, and looking to wrap up a series win, pushing on to achieve a home whitewash. Once again though, this rollercoaster of a series threw up another surprise, with the rain eventually coming to the aid of the home side, ensuring that England retained the Ashes.

                         Day 1 began brightly, with the Australians winning their first toss, and electing to bat. This appeared to be an important moment, as the pitch seemed perfect for batting, and was only likely to worsen over the course of the Test. Chris Rogers and Shane Watson set about the English bowlers in the early overs, with Rogers looking particularly impressive. As has been the case recently, Watson got in, and then got out, managing just 19. At 76-1, Australia had got off to a good start. However, a moment of enormous controversy followed soon after. Having defended well since coming to the crease, Usman Khawaja was given out caught behind off the bowling of Swann. The batsman instantly reviewed the decision, standing his ground. As the TV began relaying the pictures, it became more and more obvious that Khawaja had not touched the ball. No mark on Hotspot, the thermal imaging used, no sound as the ball passed the bat, and even more convincingly, clear daylight between the bat and the ball. Despite this overwhelming evidence, unbelievably the decision was upheld, and Khawaja had to walk for 1. This drew criticism from fans, pundits, and even the Australian Prime Minister on Twitter, calling it 'one of the worst cricket umpiring decisions I have ever witnessed'. As captain Michael Clarke came to the crease, there was a sense of injustice amongst the Aussie ranks. This propelled Rogers and Clarke to put a good partnership together, before the opener eventually fell for 84, leaving Australia on 129-3. However, if England thought they had created a good platform for themselves, they were wrong. In a stand lasting the rest of the day (a full four hours), Clarke and Steve Smith put on a further 174 runs, leaving Australia at 303-3 at the close, with Clarke on an unbeaten 125, swinging the balance Australia's way.

                          Day 2 started in the same vein as the first, with Australia, and mostly Clarke, on top. Quickly bringing up his 150, the Aussie captain, aided by Smith, pressed on to put the Australians in a commanding position. With a century seemingly guaranteed, Smith was also beginning to play with increased freedom. However, this freedom eventually came back to bite him, as he played a loose shot to a Swann delivery on 89, putting Australia on 343-4. After such a fantastic innings, the 24 year old will be bitterly disappointed he couldn't manage his first Test century. Further misfortune for Smith was that David Warner was the next man in. This meant that rather than the rapturous applause he deserved, the pitch was alive to the sound of boos in the direction of the new man. After his 'unprovoked attack' on England batsman Joe Root, it was unlikely to be any different! His panto villain cameo was appropriately brief, with the Aussie being caught at slip by Trott on just 5. This brought about the largest cheer of the day from the English fans, who up until then had had precious little to cheer about. Brad Haddin's solid start led the Australians to 392-5 at lunch, putting them in a commanding position for the rest of the Test, and, with reports of poor weather on the horizon, leaving Clarke with a dilemma of whether to declare. Clarke's mammoth innings came to an end roughly a day after it started, playing onto his stumps to give Stuart Broad his 200th Test wicket. A fantastic knock from the captain, who Australia are often too reliant on for success. When Siddle fell just a couple of overs later, it looked as though the tail would be mopped up fairly easily. But an 8th wicket stand between Haddin and Mitchell Starc saw the Australians past 500, and handing the pair half-centuries. At 527-7, Clarke declared, decided that this would be sufficient to get the 20 wickets required. The next 40 overs seemed to prove him right, as England started poorly. After captain Cook got off to a positive start, Joe Root fell cheaply to Siddle for 8. Tim Bresnan was then sent out as night-watchman, only to perish for 1, leaving England in real trouble at 52-2 at the close, and in desperate need of a large score.

                            After two days of Australian dominance, Day 3 needed to be the day that England fought back. And when Trott fell to Harris for just 5, it looked as though England were in deep trouble. However, in came Kevin Pietersen. With the new spinner Nathan Lyon not performing as well as expected, Cook closed in on his half-century. However, similarly to Steve Smith, after looking good for a century, he fell, managing just 64. This put England on 110-4, still needing 218 to avoid the follow-on. Just like Australia, the middle-order then proved vital. Pietersen and the in-form Ian Bell then took England away from trouble, and towards that follow-on target. When Bell lost his wicket to a fantastic delivery from Harris for 60, England were looking altogether more secure on 225-5. Pietersen quickly brought up his maiden Test century at Old Trafford, playing some expansive cricket, and victimising the spinner Lyon. Jonny Bairstow had a brief cameo, making 22 before he fell to Starc. Pietersen went to the same bowler a couple of overs later, after an lbw review failed. With England at 280-7, they could ill-afford a collapse. Fortunately for England, Prior and Broad steadied the ship, taking England to 294-7 at the close, needing 34 to avoid the follow-on.

                             England's objectives for Day 4 would have been as follows: 1) avoid the follow-on 2) set a respectable target 3) attempt to skittle the Australians out in their second innings and 4) do several rain dances throughout the day. Number 1 was achieved fairly comfortably, with the capable Broad and Prior batting well to take England towards 350. Broad fell for a well-played 32, with Lyon finally taking his first wicket, after a miserable day the day before. Swann came in and went out very quickly, scoring a run a ball for his 11. A period of frustration for the Australians followed, as the English batsman attempted to while away overs and time. With the impending rain, the Australians knew that every over was crucial, and therefore getting the final wicket quickly was critical. The wicket of Prior eventually fell an hour and a half into the first session, leaving the Aussies to rush off and get themselves ready to bat. Treating the rest of the Test as a one-day game, the Australians set off at a decent pace, with Warner and Rogers opening. Rogers quickly fell for 12, but the scoring continued at a good rate with the partnership of Warner and Khawaja. When Warner perished on 41, who was there to take the catch? Joe Root, who else! Khawaja followed quickly, leaving the Australians at 99-3, with a lead of 258. Just four runs later, Watson had to make the walk back to the pavilion, having made a valuable 19 for his team. The last thing England would have wanted to have seen was Steve Smith striding out to meet Michael Clarke at the crease after the events of Day 1. However, a gift of a run-out managed to keep the run count down (lead at 300), and got rid of the dangerous Smith. Haddin and Starc both followed before tea, leaving the score at 172-7, with an Australian lead of 331. Another moment of controversy came soon after, as the players were taken off for bad light. Cue furious protests from the Australian players, spearheaded by Clarke, who recognised just how crucial this time may be. This proved even more critical as the rain prevented any further play after tea, and, with little signs of improvement for Day 5, it seemed as though the Aussies would run out of time and overs.

                               This proved to be the case in Day 5. After the decision by Clarke to declare at their overnight total of 172-7, with a lead of 331 to defend, England got off to a terrible start. Cook, who has looked fairly consistent throughout this series, went for a duck. Things went from bad to worse, as both Trott and Pietersen lost their wickets, leaving England in trouble at 27-3. Cue torrential Mancunian rain, which lasted for the rest of the day, eliminating any chance of the Australians winning the Ashes. This meant that only 20.3 overs were bowled in the day, but that did not prevent fans staying in the ground to chant their approval at the result.

                                 As I mentioned in my last post, I wanted to see a little more fight from the Australians, particularly with the bat. I am pleased to say that the next two Tests look as though they will be highly competitive, with all three results realistically possible. No 5-0 whitewash for England, nor an Australian Ashes win is possible, but pride is still to play for, and I think that (provided the rain stays away), we are still in for an interesting couple of weeks of cricket.