In a game of few chances Manchester City made their impressive home record count with a narrow 1-0 win over Manchester United and now lead the Premiership on goal difference over their cross town rivals. Manchester City had failed to score in their last three home games against United but picked the perfect moment to break that duck.
With half-time looming David Silva flung over a corner and Vincent Kompany rose highest to power a header past David de Gea as the Etihad erupted.
City deserved their lead for whilst they had created few chances they had dominated possession in that opening 45 minutes although they had to be wary of the visitor's swift counter attacks.
Roberto Mancini's side have now won 22 of their last 23 home matches in the top flight, and are unbeaten in their last 28 games.
For United it was the same old story this season of conceding first and then failing to win the game. From holding an eight point advantage over City just a few weeks ago they now find themselves in second place on goal difference with just two games of the campaign remaining.
Sir Alex Ferguson will be wondering why his side failed to respond after the interval and created so few chances despite City keeper Joe Hart looking uneasy on occasions, whilst Yaya Toure could have settled the game late-on but curled a shot narrowly wide.
Even five minutes of added time failed to inspire the Red Devils to one their famous last minute heroics and City fans it is who greeted the final whistle with a tremendous roar.
Referee: Andre Marriner
Venue: Etihad Stadium
Attendance: 47,259
Man City scorers: Kompany 45 Man Utd scorers:
TRIBAL ASKS: Did this insipid United performance just hand the title to local rivals City?
Yellow cards: Kompany (MANC), Y Toure (MANC), Jones (MANU), de Jong (MANC), Carrick (MANU)
