Weekend football round-up: City triumph while United frustrated
Blues beat Palace but Reds held to 1-1 draw against Arsenal
Saturdays grudge match between Mourinho and his old foe Arsene Wenger left United feeling deflated after an 89th minute Arsenal equaliser meant a share of the spoils at Old Trafford.
In the first half. United’s boss was visibly angry over a tangle between Antonio Valencia and Nacho Monreal which many believed should have resulted in a penalty for the home side but referee Andre Marriner wasn't interested.
United broke the deadlock through Juan Mata in the 69th minute in what had looked like the winning goal before Oliver Giroud unchallenged header brought the Gunners back to level terms.
Mourinho who has never lost to Arsenal as a manager revealed in his post-match press conference, “I have finally lost to Arsenal. That is the feeling I take home.” Devastated by the late goal he defended his player’s effort, “I have nothing to say against my players but I feel sorry for them as we feel like it’s a defeat and for sure, Arsenal are feeling like a victory.”
Captain Wayne Rooney was absent for the draw after scandal swirls over what some newspaparrs stated was a boozy night out after England’s 3 -0 win over Scotland. However, Mourinho revealed he was absent due to his speed. “I believed ones like Mata, Martial and Rashford were faster than Wayne, better attacking opponents one to one in the last line. I thought it was the best option."
Yaya Toure marked an incredible return to Manchester City’s starting XI grabbing two goals in his first Premier League appearance of the season, earning Pep Guardiola’s men a 2-1 win against a game Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Toure fired City ahead just before the break after lovely moved inspired by Nolito. Palace came out fighting in the second half with Conor Wickham equalising for the home side in the 66th minute. However, Toure was back at it again capitalising on poorly defended Kevin De Bruyne corner on the 83rd minute, to send City’s points total to 27 which had them joint top before Chelsea’s 1 – 0 win against Middlesbrough yesterday.
After an impressive performance from the Ivorian midfielder Pep Guardiola has stated he will consider recalling Toure to his Champions League squad.
This comes after tension between Pep and Toure’s agent Dimitri Sulek who accused the City boss of ‘humiliating’ his client by his dropping him from the first team. Toure has signed apologised and appears to have won Pep over with his performance.
“Toure is another guy to compete with our midfield players and increase our level,” Guardiola said, “He’s not able to play on Wednesday or in the last game against Celtic. If we are able to qualify for the knockout stages, myself and my staff will decide who are the best players to help us achieve in Champions League games.”
In our region's other weekend games Wigan could only manage a goalless draw away against Barnsley in the Championship. While in League One; Bolton earned a 2 – 0 win against Millwall to move to third in the table, Bury were thumped 5 – 1 away from home against AFC Wimbledon and Oldham suffered a 1- 0 defeat away to leaders Scunthorpe.