Manchester City’s English Premier League title celebrations were put on hold on Saturday as rivals Manchester United produced a remarkable comeback from two goals down to win their derby clash 3-2.
A win for City at the Etihad Stadium would have clinched the title.
But, instead, their first home defeat in the league this season leaves Pep Guardiola’s side with a 13 point lead with six games remaining.
City left several regular starters on the bench ahead of Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg against Liverpool.
Nonetheless, they were 2-0 up within half an hour, thanks to a Vincent Kompany header from a corner and a clever finish from Ilkay Guendogan.
But two goals from Paul Pogba in the 53rd and 55th minutes brought United level before Chris Smalling, left unmarked in the box, grabbed the winner in the 69th minute.
He side-footed home a floated free kick from Alexis Sanchez.
City felt they should have had a penalty kick when substitute Sergio Aguero went down under a challenge from Ashley Young.
They also came close to an equaliser when David de Gea made a brilliant save to keep out a header from Aguero and Raheem Sterling hit the post.