By David Hobbs
November 7 2004

Manchester United suffered yet another major dent in their hopes to win back the Premiership crown from Arsenal following their Derby Day draw with Manchester City at Old Trafford. Alan Smith was dismissed late on in the game for a second bookable offence.

City Hold United on Derby Day

Manchester United 0
Alan Smith Sent Off, 89

Manchester City 0

Manchester United suffered yet another major dent in their hopes to win back the Premiership crown from Arsenal following their Derby Day draw with Manchester City at Old Trafford.

Alan Smith was dismissed late on in the game for a second bookable offence. The England international hadn't been booked this year in the league prior to the game, but Derby Day anxiety got the better of the former Leeds United forward.

Scotsman Sir Alex Ferguson, celebrating 18 years as United boss, controversially decided to rest wonderkid Wayne Rooney and hand Louis Saha a slot upfront with Smith in the firing-line.

Kevin Keegan was forced into throwing inexperienced youngsters Stephen Jordan and Willo Flood into the deep-end but proved they have the ability to handle the pressures of first-team football.

The game started fast and furious and The Red Devils could have even opened the deadlock within the first few minutes.

Paul Scholes' divine long-ball was picked up by Louis Saha. The Frenchman beat David James but couldn't beat the defensive instinct of Stephen Jordan, who trekked back to clear Saha's attempt off the line.

Fellow Frenchman Mikael Silvestre was tugged-back by Sylvain Distin to be denied a penalty, much to the disagreement of Sir Alex Ferguson.

City then caught United out on the counter-attack, however, Nicolas Anelka was unable to capitalise on Antione Sibierski's pass.

Skipper Roy Keane was cautioned shortly later following a harsh challenge on fellow Irishman Willo Flood.

Cristiano Ronaldo found himself in a fine dead-ball position from 20 yards out but could only direct his poor free-kick into the centre of Manchester City's wall.

Moments after the second-half interval, Alan Smith tried his luck with an audacious bicycle kick but stern defending from Steve McManaman blocked what would have been a superb goal.

Substitute Ryan Giggs, replacing Liam Miller, should have put United ahead midway through the first half after Louis Saha put the Welshman through. The Welshman couldn't keep his cool with only David James to beat.

The Red Devils grew frustrated towards the latter stages of the second period. Alan Smith had to be dismissed 4 minutes from the end after a reckless tackle on Dunne.  

Louis Saha had the chance to steal all 3 points with a free header just yards out of goal but completely misdirected his header.

Final Score: Manchester United 0 - 0 Manchester City
Att: 67,863

United: Carroll, Gary Neville, Ferdinand, Silvestre, Heinze, Miller, Keane, Scholes, Ronaldo, Saha, Smith. Subs: Howard, Phil Neville, Brown, Rooney, Giggs.

City: James, Mills, Dunne, Distin, Jordan, Flood, Bosvelt, McManaman, Sibierski, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Anelka. Subs: Fowler, Onuoha, Waterreus, McCarthy, Bradley Wright-Phillips

Refereed By: Graham Poll

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

     

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