Robin van Persie struck an injury-time winner as Manchester United beat Manchester City 3-2 in the Premier League on Sunday. The game was overshadowed by an incident in the goal celebrations when United captain Rio Ferdinand was left bleeding from his eye — apparently after being struck by an object thrown from the crowd.
The win lifted leader United six points clear of the title-holder City, which has suffered its first defeat of the season. Wayne Rooney struck twice in the first half to give United the advantage, but goals from Yaya Toure and Pablo Zabaleta pulled the scores level with three minutes remaining.
But two minutes into added time, a foolish challenge from Gael Clichy gifted United a free-kick, which van Persie whipped in with the aid of a deflection off Samir Nasri. City had opened the better, enjoying 76 per cent of the play before Rooney opened the scoring after 16 minutes. United doubled its lead 13 minutes later. David Silva failed to track and Rafael was given space to cross low for Rooney to sweep in, taking him to 150 Premier League goals.
Apology
Meanwhile, Man. City has apologised to Rio Ferdinand after the United defender was struck by a coin as he celebrated van Persie’s winner.
“We apologise to Rio,” said a spokesman from the club. “We condemn the actions of the individual concerned. We are reviewing the CCTV with the police and our normal security. We will support the police with any investigation and hopefully identify the person as soon as possible.”
The results:
Manchester City 2 (Y. Toure 60, Zabaleta 86) lost to Manchester United 3 (Rooney 16, 29, Van Persie 90).
Everton 2 (Pienaar 90, Jelavic 90+2) bt Tottenham 1 (Dempsey 76).
West Ham 2 (Noble 36-pen, Gerrard 43-og) lost to Liverpool 3 (Johnson 11, Cole 76, Collins 79-og).
