Man City 2-3 Man United talking points as two-goal Paul Pogba does his talking on the pitch

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  • Paul Pogba celebrates after an incredible performance.

    Manchester United staged a stunning second-half fightback to epically win 3-2 at Manchester City and delay their rivals’ Premier League title celebrations.

    The victory required to earn the third crown of the Abu Dhabi-era seemed guaranteed by 30 minutes when skipper Vincent Kompany headed in and Germany midfielder Ilkay Gundogan adroitly found the bottom corner.

    But wastefulness from the hosts was punished when unleashed France midfielder Paul Pogba struck twice in two second-half minutes and maligned defender Chris Smalling volleyed home.

    EVERY POG HAS HIS DAY

    For the first time in far, far too long churlish discussions about Pogba’s hairstyles and the undulations of his relationship with Jose Mourinho can be parked.

    A pair of superb goals separated by 97 seconds silenced both Etihad Stadium and the pre-match scandal caused by Pep Guardiola’s revelations about Machiavellian ‘super-agent’ Mino Raiola’s flagrant scheming.

    “Say what,” indeed.

    Reward for Mourinho belatedly pushing his most-talented footballer 20 yards up the pitch after the break was the 25-year-old’s first club goals since November 18.

    This was like watching great United men in full flow such as Duncan Ferguson, Sir Bobby Charlton, Bryan Robson and Roy Keane.

    Pogba has the ability to match them. If only he was always granted the freedom to do so.

    TALE OF TWO CENTRE-BACKS

    Kompany and Smalling share plenty of history when it comes to title tussles between the Manchester giants.

    Rewind the clock to 2011/12’s classic race and you will see the pair playing pivotal roles.

    When the Belgium talisman out-jumped Smalling for April 30’s 1-0 triumph, it confirmed the “noisy neighbours” had reeled in Sir Alex Ferguson’s men ahead of the eventual iconic victory on goal difference.

    There seemed similar pertinence on Saturday when the dropped England defender was embarrassingly outmuscled again.

    Kompany looked to have produced another grandstand moment to add his collection that contains others like February’s League Cup showpiece effort and 2013/14’s final-day top-flight clincher versus West Ham.

    Except this time, Smalling had his chance to turn the tables and definitely delay City’s party.

    Manchester United defender Chris Smalling scores his team's third goal.

    Manchester United defender Chris Smalling scores his team’s third goal.

    PASSION PLAY

    This week has seen English football get back in touch with the power of raw passion.

    It began with the fabled “Anfield Roar” knocking City down a notch to put Liverpool in utter command of their Champions League destiny.

    United were then stunted, reactive and overrun in a chastening opening period on Saturday. Zero shots on target were registered by the interval.

    Forced to look inside for a response, they charged back to regain personal and local pride.

    If only disgraced supporters on both nights could have positively channelled these emotions.

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