Manchester United lost more ground to Arsenal in the title race after going down 2-1 to Manchester City on an emotional Sunday night at Old Trafford.

All the fears expressed by experts seemed unwarranted as supporters from both the clubs observed a minute's silence to honor the Munich air disaster victims. City took a shock lead in the 25th minute through Darius Vassell and debutant Benjani doubled the lead for his side on the stroke of half time. Michael Carrick scored a consolation goal for United in the final minute of the match as the defending champions dropped five points behind Arsenal at the top of the table.

Determined to bounce back from their 1-1 draw to Spurs, United started the game on the attack as Joe Hart was pressed into service early to deny Ryan Giggs at the far post. City were on th back foot in the early minutes of the game as United kept up the pressure on the visitors' defense.

Having already defeated United early this season, Manchester City slowly started to take control of the game with the first clear chance falling to Stephen Ireland as he raced to meet Martin Petrov's through ball only for Van der Sar to rush off his lines to clear the ball. However Vassell took control of the clearance to put City in the lead in the 25th minute.

Stung by the goal, United stepped up the pressure but were unable to break down a disciplined City defense. City doubled the lead in the 45th minute when Benjani rose high to meet Petrov's cross and his glancing header managed to beat Van der Sar.

The visitors were content to sit back and soak up the pressure in the second half as United struggled to create any real chances. With time running out, the hosts got a consolation goal through Carrick when his drive from 18 yards out managed to beat Hart but it was too late to prevent City from registering their first win at Old Trafford since 1974 and complete a league double over their arch rivals for the first time since 1970.