The English Premier League title race was wide open again after Sunday’s results as champions Manchester United eased to a 2-0 win over West Bromwich Albion at Old Trafford while local rivals Manchester City were defeated 1-0 by Swansea City.
Prior to these fixtures, City were leading United by two points in the Premier League standings. Sunday’s results have taken Sir Alex Ferguson’s United back on top after a long time as they now hold an important one-point lead over Roberto Mancini’s men.
Manchester United v West Bromwich Albion: 2-0
Alex Ferguson might have been kind to Roy Hodgson in his views before the match, but there was no mercy on the pitch for the side who defeated Chelsea at the Hawthorns last week.
Wayne Rooney continued his impressive goal-scoring form in the league with a brace to ensure that Hodgson’s men did not pull out another win like last week’s match against Chelsea.
The England forward missed a chance early in the first half, but scored in the 35th minute to give united a 1-0 lead at half time. He made it 2-0 with a superb penalty conversion in the 71st minute.
Paul Scholes was undoubtedly the stand-out performer in the Red shirt as he held on to the ball well in the midfield area.
Swansea City v Manchester City: 1-0
Swansea City registered the biggest win in their club’s history by overcoming Manchester City at the Liberty Stadium with a 1-0 victory, thanks to the headed goal by substitute Luke Moore in the 83rd minute.
Roberto Mancini’s men did not seem to miss injured skipper Vincent Kompany but they put in a lacklustre display, which has been very rare to see from the side owned by Sheikh Mansoor.
Mario Balotelli put in probably his worst performance of the season as City failed to create any clear chances. Joe Hart kept their hopes alive after saving a penalty in the first half.
But City paid the price for not taking their chances as Moore scored the decisive goal for Swansea to register a famous win for the club promoted from the Championship this season.