Manchester United vs. Manchester City: Score, Grades and Post-Match Reaction

Manchester City pulled out in impressive 2-1 away win in the Manchester derby over league-leading Manchester United at Old Trafford on Monday.

This was just United's second home defeat this season.

Despite the loss, United still hold a commanding 12-point lead over City in the EPL. With both teams having just seven games left in the EPL season, that lead should be safe. 

Defense dominated the first half of this match, as the two clubs hit the break locked in a scoreless battle. 

City were the more aggressive side in the first half as United were content to sit back and wait for counters. For their effort, United had some nice breaks on counter attacks, but errant passes and missed shots doomed their chances. City also did a nice job of getting back. 

The action was intense, if not the most exciting. 

The excitement picked up in the second. In the 51st minute, Ryan Giggs attempted an ill-advised backheel pass that was intercepted. James Milner soon found the ball on the edge of the penalty area, and he drilled a low shot that David de Gea was able to get a hand on but not stop. 

This gave City a 1-0 lead, that didn't hold for long. 

In the 59th minute, Robin van Persie struck a wonderful free kick that was in a perfect position for a Phil Jones header. Jones' header was headed out wide, but it found the back of Vincent Kompany and deflected in for an own goal for the equalizer.

This set up for another bit of heroics from Sergio Aguero, who came on in the second for Samir Nasri. This goal was not as dramatic as his league winner last year, but it was brilliant nonetheless. 

Aguero took a pass from Yaya Toure in the left-hand corner of the penalty area. Some nifty moves got Aguero past Danny Welbeck and Phil Jones, and he drilled a screamer to give City the 2-1 edge. 

United had some decent looks, including a header off a corner on the match's last play, but they couldn't find an equalizer. 

Grades

Robin van Persie: B

Robin van Persie has not been in his best form as of late, and he has now gone 10 straight games without a goal.

He spent much of this game being a non factor, and he would have earned a lower mark for the match, but his brilliant free kick has to raise his grade. 

Wayne Rooney: B-

Wayne Rooney couldn't make much happen in this match. It was not for a lack of effort, though; rather, it was almost too much effort.

In the first half, Rooney earned a yellow card that easily could have been a red, as he left both feet on a challenge of James Milner. 

Vincent Kompany 

Vincent Kompany was kicking himself over the own goal, and it was pretty bad considering he had his back to the ball.

However, there was an unmarked player in front of him, which makes it a little more understandable.

Sergio Aguero: A

Aguero was not on the pitch for long in this match, but he didn't need to be. 

His goal was a magnificent effort, and he showed why he is a world-class finisher.