Wednesday’s Manchester Derby was a big one. While both sides of Manchester were hugely invested in the match, so too was the rest of the top six with the races for both the Premier League title and Arsene Wenger Memorial Top Four Trophy more heated than ever.
For once, Liverpool fans were rooting for their hated Manchester United rivals, hoping they could put a dent in City’s title hopes.
For once, Liverpool fans could feel a little empathy for Red Devils fans who have to their strikers fluff their lines in front of goal over and over.
Manchester City held off United 2-0 to jump back ahead of Liverpool in the title race on Wednesday at Old Trafford thanks in large part to a shocking miss from Jesse Lingard. The Red Devils missed an opportunity to jump ahead of Arsenal after the Gunners’ limp defeat at Wolves on Wednesday.
City went ahead through a wonderful strike from Bernardo Silva in the 54th minute. Moments later, United had an opportunity to equalize.
But Lingard, who has just four goals and two assists in 26 league appearances this year, was shockingly inept in the most crucial of moments.
Marcus Rashford, Lingard’s striker partner for the day, played an inviting ball toward the penalty spot. Lingard was unable to reposition his body to meet the pass, but he was given a second opportunity seconds later when Rashford again sent the ball his way. This time, Lingard was in perfect position.
But he missed everything.
Whiff.
About 10 minutes later, Raheem Sterling set up Leroy Sané for a second to make it 2-0 and it was game over.
Lingard was replaced by Anthony Martial in the 83rd minute, putting an end to his night.
It didn’t put an end to the misery and memory of his miss, which was widely mocked on social media and even sparked some conspiracy theories from Liverpool fans.
Jesse Lingard proper hates Liverpool
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) April 24, 2019
Liverpool fan conspiracists seeing Lingard missing the ball altogether for a tap-in: pic.twitter.com/ed1aRSfA1v
— Paddy Power (@paddypower) April 24, 2019
man, Lingard must really hate Liverpool pic.twitter.com/8QY2X1Bd7Z
— amadí (@amadoit__) April 24, 2019
Lingard changing his boots at HT... #MUNMCI pic.twitter.com/nmKS64eXCh
— Samantha Quek (@SamanthaQuek) April 24, 2019
Lingard is a true Mancunian missing that on purpose. Fucking hero.
— - (@IconicUnited) April 24, 2019
With the win, City moved to 89 points, one ahead of Liverpool with three matches remaining. United remained in sixth place, three back of fourth-place Chelsea. The Red Devils host the Blues on Sunday; City travels to Burnley on Sunday.
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