This is certainly what dreams are made of, Wayne Rooney strikes a goal from close quarters going past 2 defenders within the 3rd minute, and supporters sing on with gusto for every move then on. Anderson looks a good fit in today’s game. The game is almost fast paced with Man City gearing up with every move. The next best attempt from Man Utd came from Berbatov from his favorite center position but the ball lifts over the post. Then came the equalizer, with Ben Foster fumbling on the ball with a tackle with Tavez. Coming away from the net wasn’t a great decision, and Tavez controls, gains possession and opts for a short pass to Gareth Berry who does convert.

A lot of cheering is heard when Tavez is shown a yellow card but nothing much happens after that. Next it’s a yellow card for Anderson in the 36th minute, and Anderson looks visibly upset and Giggs, Rooney, and Ferdinand even oppose the referee’s decision. It certainly seems like a stalemate because nothing much is happening in terms of effective passes or strategy, and in the meantime, Vidic gets a yellow card in the 43rd minute. Soon after, Rooney does make a charge for it but can’t do much on his own. A great counter and Tavez beats all defenders and strikes but unfortunately instead of hitting the back of the net, hits the goal post and moves outward. Another saving grace for Manchester United shall we say. The first have ends with 2 additional minutes of play. That’s just enough time for Manchester City free kick that Bellamy takes but despite a touch from Tavez, and Lescott, there’s no last minute goal.

The game starts with great anticipation and the Man City defense seems strong, so much so, that Berbatov goes done only because of the sheer number of defenders following him. Fletcher scores and Manchester United is back on top, having started the 2nd half as well as they started the first half. After many a miss in the past games, finally Fletcher scores, and in good time shall we say, just 5 minutes into the 2nd half. Seems like Man Utd has an agenda because Park makes a goal scoring attempt and the team creates a other half chance in the next 2 minutes ending in a failed attempt by Ferdinand.

Seems like everyone pulled their socks up Bellamy on the other end controls the ball, drives in and delivers a quality goal at the 52nd minute. Another great chance but park misses in the 54th minute. Nothing seems to be working for Man Utd as of now despite increased ball control. The ball seems to stick with Manchester United but to no avail. Another great header by Berbatov in the 65th minute straight to the goalkeeper which ends in another corner by Giggs, but again no result.

The next 5 minutes sees an onslaught of goal attempts from Manchester United but it seems that nothing’s going past the goalkeeper because he’s hitting everything that comes his way, another saving grace for City. Certainly an exciting derby and the crowds haven’t stopped cheering for a moment. This was waiting to happen, and finally Fletcher heads it in at the 81st minute, almost a carbon copy goal, and his first double in a premier league on a great day.

If you thought that was enough excitement, the end proves to be nail biting. One slight mistake by Ferdinand sees Bellamy take control, drive through and score. The late equalizer dampens Manchester United’s victory in extra time. Anderson is substituted, and Carrick steps on late in extra time. Giggs’ corner isn’t fruitful, and neither is Rooney’s goal attempt. Giggs still fights on and finally it pays off. 6 minutes into extra time and a clinical pass to Owens sees a goal converted and with that Manchester United seal a victory, 4-3 on the big day.