Boost for United after old guard downs City

Manchester City’s Premier League title hopes were hit after losing 1-0 at Everton from a goal by former Man United midfielder Darron Gibson on Tuesday.

Gibson’s first goal since leaving Old Trafford in the January transfer window via a deflection off Gareth Barry on the hour consigned City to just its third loss of the league campaign, and boosted the title hopes of his old team. "A goal against top of the league is great," said Gibson, whose strike was set up by United States midfielder Landon Donovan.

City is now only top on goal difference after United beat Stoke 2-0, while Everton climbed to ninth in the standings. “I didn’t prepare well for this game. I thought it was maybe easier,” City manager Roberto Mancini said. “The players put everything on the pitch but I made some mistakes during the last three days preparing for this game.”

That second half started later that expected. The end of the first period was interrupted for several minutes when a supporter handcuffed himself to a goal post. Police took several minutes to release the supporter.

After the match, Everton managed to re-resign midfielder Steven Pienaar on loan from Tottenham until the end of the season a year after leaving, while striker Louis Saha moved in the opposition direction on a permanent deal.

First Published: Feb 01, 2012 23:37 IST