As many predicted, Manchester United’s title challenge has suffered a massive blow after the Cityzens yet again conquered the Old Trafford in a freezing night at Manchester.
With the win, City registered a record 14th consecutive top-flight victory and what better way than creating a record against an arch-nemesis. The Sky Blues were always the dominant side since the first whistle, yet, had to wait for more than 40 minutes for the first goal. Capitalising a failed effort from Lukaku to clear the ball away, David Silva gave City a lead.
United responded firmly as the game went into the final minute of the added time in the first-time. An early delivery from Ashley Young from the left-hand side cruised past every City defender before eventually falling into the path of Marcus Rashford. The youngster made no mistake in drawing his side level.
City restored their advantage soon after the restart after Nicolas Otamendi slotted home from close range. Safe to say it was a well-deserved defeat for Manchester United. However, we won’t be wrong in quoting that one man cost United all three points. Striker Romelu Lukaku was at the end of every Manchester City goal and even missed a sitter from a point-blank range.
It all started with the first goal where Romelu Lukaku was given the task to mark Nicolas Otamendi. Losing the physical battle with the Argentine, Lukaku allowed the defender to get the slightest of touch, which practically was enough to lay the ball into Silva’s path. BANG! Then came the sucker punch where the Belgian literally failed to clear the ball and City perfectly capitalised from the error with their lead being restored.
United could have equalled the scoring had Lukaku been a bit clinical in front of the goal. Receiving a low ball from the left channel, all Lukaku had to do was to guide the ball into the net. Rather, he directed his shot straight towards Ederson and the chance was gone and so did his reputation, right in front of the Stretford End.
Being on the losing side in a Derby is never an easy task and when you are the culprit, things can go from bad to worse. Here is how the fans reacted to Lukaku’s poor showing:
Wrong tactics, wrong mentality, wrong striker
— Josh Longden (@wwwaahh) December 10, 2017
That says it all. Lukaku must be sold January
— Kevin (@Kevster_Retsvek) December 10, 2017
Sell Lukaku & Smalling, shite players
— alex (@beardedtwat) December 10, 2017
lukaku sucks
— pranit sharma (@pranit_S04) December 10, 2017
No kidding, worst purchase. He had it to tie it up and instead he shoots it to Edison’s neck tattoos.
— Wesley Lopez (@SkylerWes) December 10, 2017
Refund on the Belgian Emile Heskey NOW
— Pat (@Schweiderlin) December 10, 2017
Sell lukaku for free
— IG: Albetisla (@Albet_isla) December 10, 2017
Lukaku and Michael Oliver..the best players for city today
— Jamie Diluzio (@DiluzioJamie) December 10, 2017
Refund for lukaku plz
— Yousef AKA GGMU (@yousefsabbah14) December 10, 2017
What you order online vs What you get pic.twitter.com/reUtxe717b
— Nitin Dhuppad (@nitin_cul) December 10, 2017
When I saw Lukaku trending, I thought he scored an hat-trick. Turns out Man created 2 assists. What a player!
— Royal (@Will_Word_Smith) December 10, 2017
Lukaku trying to score in big gamespic.twitter.com/kyoNZOFGNh
— GeniusFootball (@GeniusFootball) December 11, 2017
Lukaku just unlocked a new position. Attacking defensive striker…
— Agingo_Jnr (@AGINGO8) December 10, 2017
At this rate Mourinho will use Ander Herrera to mark Lukaku in the next game if he continues to be so effective against him.
— Tim Asibuo (@TimAsibuo) December 10, 2017
New word: LUKAKU
Meaning: to help your enemies succeed.
Usage in sentence: After investigation, it was discovered that the robbers have been receiving lukaku from the police.— gbemmy25 (@gbemiloye) December 11, 2017
