Manchester City finally have something to cheer about

Consolation for Manchester City. Irritation for Manchester United. This is how one would term the result of yesterday’s derby game at Old Trafford. The derby between the two teams is just not like any other rivalry; it is much more than that. The rivalry always persisted, but with the sudden change in the team structure and the growth of Manchester City over the last couple of years, the intensity of the derby encounter has gone up to a different level altogether.

Talking about the league, City can cheer about something, as they finally have something to build upon for next season; beating their rivals and the so-called revenge after losing at the Etihad Stadium in their previous encounter. The Red Devils, on the other hand, are on their way to clinching their record 20th league title, though delayed after yesterday’s defeat. For Sir Alex and the Red Devils, losing would have been less painful had it come against any other side in the league. But losing to their fierce rivals, and that too on their home ground, puts more salt on that little wound. Who does not remember the last minute league drama last season, where the Red Devils lost out to City on goal difference at the last minute. It was Aguero – now and then; though the impact differs significantly.

The Citizens will now be more confident, as they have beaten the soon to be crowned champions; City would be really ambitious to deny that the title race is yet to be decided. However, this important win is vital mentally for the coming season, and more importantly, the semi-final tie against Chelsea in the FA Cup. City looks the brightest among the two and in the recent past, Chelsea haven’t managed to get the better of City. A victory and the possibility of an FA Cup triumph will be a perfect driving force for the Citizens.

The Red Devils are still 12 points ahead with 7 games to play, and one can already see them standing on the podium with the medals and celebrations. But the defeat puts them off, as they would have wanted to show the Citizens that they did it convincingly and in style! The satisfaction of toppling your rivals is immense, isn’t it ?

However, City fans must be rejoicing and would be much happier than the Red Devils, though for a short moment. The Manchester derby was a treat, and on aggregate it ended all-square. Justified!

Manchester though will be painted red sooner or later, and the fight will keep on going year after year. Stay tuned, as the derby never fails to disappoint. But at the moment, it is the Citizens’ consolation and Red Devils’ irritation.