Manchester United 1 Manchester City 2:On the day when Manchester remembered those who lost their lives 50 years ago in the Munich air disaster, the blue half of the city dealt a major blow to red dreams of retaining the Premier League.
City fans behaved impeccably during an emotional minute's silence and their team were just as impressive.
The visitors completed a league double over their neighbours for the first time since 1970 and their first win at Old Trafford since 1974.
For City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson, it was three wins out of three against Sir Alex Ferguson. He has added this priceless double to a European Super Cup triumph over United in 1999 when he was at Lazio.
This ended United's 13-match winning streak, their best run in 103 years, and gave Arsenal a real boost at the top of the table.
Darius Vassell and new boy Benjani Mwaruwari scored first-half goals for City and United's only replay was in injury-time from Michael Carrick.
The Old Trafford pitch was ringed ahead of the game by the names of every one of the 23 who died as a result of the 1958 tragedy in Germany.
The team sheet numbered United's men one to 16, while City stuck to their usual numbering on special commemorative shirts devoid of sponsors' logos. The Red Devils' V-neck tops were also a copy of the famous 50's jerseys worn by the Busby Babes.
But there was a match to play which was crucial to both sides — United needing not to lose ground on Arsenal while City were desperate to end a run of one win in eight league games that has dented their European hopes.
United were without the suspended Wayne Rooney and Patrice Evra, while Owen Hargreaves was dropped to the bench. John O'Shea, Nani and Anderson came into the side.
City had Vedran Corluka banned while Daniel Sturridge was also left out. New boy Benjani made his debut with Nedum Onuoha coming into defence.
Any doubts that this would not be a city united were swept away by an immaculate minute's silence.
The teams were led out by the managers who both laid wreathes in the centre circle.
United's first home Premier League defeat of the season has seriously hit their hopes of retaining the title. Arsenal, who play Blackburn Rovers on Monday, have 60 points from 25 matches, United have 58 from 26.
City, who had won only one of their last seven league and cup matches, deserved their win after withstanding almost constant but not particularly effective United pressure in the second half.
