United slip to second as Kompany settles disappointing derby

Manchester United failed to register a single shot on target as the Red Devils' title hopes to a major blow at Eastlands. Vincent Kompany headed home the only goal of the game in first-half stoppage time as City went top of the table on goal difference and became big favourites to win the Premier League championship.

Kompany headed home moments before the half-time whistle to claim three points and go top of the Premier League tree.

United were largely disappointing, lacking quality in the final third of the field and failing to register a single shot on target throughout the 90 minutes.

Sir Alex Ferguson's men had an eight-point lead at the top of the table only three weeks ago, but have stuttered in recent matches and City are now big favourites to win the title.

Much-hype preceded the game, billed as the "biggest ever" Manchester derby. However, the contest itself was largely below-par - though few fans will deny that City were worthy of victory.

United seemed happy to play for a point as Ferguson named a defensive line-up, which had Wayne Rooney isolated as a lone striker. However, it was a lapse of concentration that allowed Kompany to nod home the game's only goal seconds before the half-time whistle.

Chasing the game after the interval, United lacked urgency and failed to test Joe Hart despite the magnitude of the situation. City held on to claim a league double over United which could well prove instrumental in this season's title race.

Full Time - Manchester City 1-0 Manchester United
Attendance - 47,259