Derby day drama delivered at Old Trafford as Manchester City got back to winning ways and put an end to Manchester United’s unbeaten record with a 3-1 win, despite being reduced to 10 players.

Laia Aleixandri was shown her second yellow card for a challenge on Lucia Garcia, leaving City to defend their lead with 10 players on the field and 20 minutes left on the clock.

But even after ending the game with five forwards on the pitch, United were unable to capitalise - although it might have something to do with the five-player backline Gareth Taylor responded with. The game was put to bed just before the hour mark when Khadija Shaw chased down a poor pass back to Mary Earps, with the United 'keeper making a bit of a mess of the situation as the ball ricocheted off the Jamaican into the back of United's net to give the visitors a two-goal lead.

The game was full of action despite getting off to a dull start. Alex Greenwood’s handball in the box gave the hosts a penalty 20 minutes in and spiced things up. Reds skipper Katie Zelem stepped up to convert the spot kick. Geyse’s effort from close range was ruled out moments before Jill Roord pulled the visitors back into the game half an hour in.

Chloe Kelly charged into the box and squared the ball for the Dutch star to finish, leaving Earps flat-footed watching the ball hit the back of her net. Two minutes later, Lauren Hemp’s first-time effort handed the Blues a 2-1 lead at the break.

Earps had a busy afternoon. She parried Shaw’s efforts away, denied Kelly’s thunderous shot and Greenwood’s header to keep United in the game, but her distribution was seriously lacking compared to her opposite number. Twice she was caught playing the ball out far too slowly, the second time leading to City’s third goal.

But credit where credit is due, United moved the ball well in the opening 10 minutes of the game, playing one-touch football to avoid the aggressive Blues press. Melvine Malard caused havoc for the visitors down the right flank, the pacey French star proving a handful and getting the better of Leila Ouahabi time and time again. The hosts struggled in the second half and star striker Geyse did not look pleased.

Despite going behind early on, City were in control at the Theatre of Dreams. They saw more of the ball but they didn't make the most of being in possession. Their passes were often overhit and they were caught out on the counterattack by Mallard, Geyse and Nikita Parris in particular.

That being said, the Blues did create chances and they were worthy winners after chalking up 17 attempts on goal. Earps did make a number of saves but she will rue her mistake for the Blues' third of the game. Even the world's best have their horror moments.