United outclass City in Manchester derby

Manchester United boosted their chances of finishing in the top four of the Premier League after beating City 1-0 in the Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday. Striker Marcus Rashford’s first-half strike separated the two sides and brought United to within a point of the fourth placed City in the standings. 

Marcus Rashford celebrates after scoring the first goal for Manchester United against City at Etihad Stadium. Reuters/Jason Cairnduff

The win is also important for the team’s morale after Liverpool knocked them out of the Europa League just four days ago. The win also ended United’s run of four games without victory in all competitions.

United manager Louis Van Gaal said that his team has a big chance of finishing in the top four.

“Now it is in our own hands. We have to win our games. We have more home matches than away matches. We don't lose so much at Old Trafford,” he said

The absence of regular defenders Vincent Kompany and Nicolas Otamendi contributed to the defeat which was City's fourth in six league games and ninth in total. They are now 15 points behind leaders Leicester City.

Spurs beat Bournemouth 3-0

Elsewhere, Tottenham Hotspurkept themselves within a striking distance of leaders Leicester City after beating Bournemouth 3-0 on Sunday. Harry Kane scored twice to keep his side’s title hopes alive and take them six points ahead of third placed Arsenal.

City are four points adrift in fourth place and while they, like Arsenal, retain a game in hand on the pace-setters, their title challenge now appears over.

Newcastle hold Sunderland

In the bottom half of the standings, relegation threatened Newcastle United and Sunderland scored a 1-1 draw at St James’ Park. Jermain Defoe gave Sunderland the lead on the half-time whistle. However, Aleksandar Mitrovic scored an equaliser in the 83rd minute to level the match that kept both the teams in the relegation zone.

Liverpool squandered a 2-0 lead as Southampton won 3-2 in a thrilling encounter. Liverpool were leading by two goals in the first 25 minutes.

However, Sadio Mane had other ideas as he scored twice in the second half. Graziano Pelle’s successful strike helped Southampton pull off a remarkable win.