Mata's goal to put Manchester United 3-1 up against Manchester City was clearly offside. Cameras caught it. The referee didn't.
The Red Devils gained more momentum and defender Chris Smalling buried the opponents with a fourth goal. Sergio Aguero sealed the result with his 100th goal in a Manchester City shirt. Unfortunately for the Argentine, the situation did not allow him to celebrate the occasion.
Six goals split 4-2. It may be too late for Manchester United to challenge league leaders Chelsea for the EPL title but their aim to clinch an automatic Champions League spot is well on course. For Manchester City, though, the season is ending badly.
Henry Winter of the Telegraph knows what's wrong with the soon-to-be dethroned English Premier League champions:
3-1. Brutal. Rooney pass to Mata placed shot between Hart's legs. City called for offside but they should be calling for new centre-halves
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) April 12, 2015
For many, this doesn't take away the fact that Manchester City were still robbed on the day. And Mata's offside goal has been singled out as the big moment which shattered the hopes of Pellegrini's men.
BLIND REFS ARE BACK! Mata was miles offside but the linesman keeps his flag down.
— The Football Café (@thefootballcafe) April 12, 2015
Mata is so offside he was back at Chelsea there
— Benjamin Wills (@BenjaminWillsSJ) April 12, 2015
Officiating is very poor today......I feel sorry for @mancity been robbed in broad day light
— Baron Yosky (@baronyosky) April 12, 2015
I take it Man City were robbed And the ref was on Utd's side
— El Cid (@1Davidsidney) April 12, 2015
Juan Mata was in an offside position before scoring to make it 3-1.
The Citizens may feel robbed but Man United fans don't care. These reactions by Manchester United supporters on Twitter concerning Mata's offside goal will only add fuel to the Mancunian rivalry.
Ha! Offside doesn't Mata! #MUFC
— Full Time DEVILS (@FullTimeDEVILS) April 12, 2015
Offside Mata. Just makes it sweeter
— ⚽RedDevil96⚽ (@RedDevil96Utd) April 12, 2015
MATA WAS OFFSIDE MAKES IT EVEN BETTER YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
— Moe. (@NoLaughingMata) April 12, 2015
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