Never has Gary Neville been so popular at Maine Road.

England defender Neville, under pressure from the dogged Goater, inexplicably attempted to turn the ball back to his goalkeeper Fabien Barthez.

But his scuffed pass was snaffled by Goater, who beat Barthez with a crisp low finish on 26 minutes.

And there was plenty for the home side to shout about as Kevin Keegan's side recorded an extraordinary third successive league win - and their first ever Premiership victory over United.

Goater's winner capped an explosive start to the 127th Manchester derby, in which the two fierce rivals exchanged blows inside the opening eight minutes.

City drew first blood with their first attack on five minutes.

The impressive Nicolas Anelka robbed Rio Ferdinand and set Goater up for a shot which appeared to catch Barthez by surprise.

The French goalkeeper spilled the half-hit shot straight to the feet of Anelka, who gratefully accepted the opportunity of poking home.

Hesitant City defending allowed Ryan Giggs to fire in a low cross and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer stole ahead of Lucien Mettomo to sweep the ball beyond former United keeper Peter Schmeichel.

The comical defending which lit up the opening exchanges proved a recurring theme.

Laurent Blanc became the third member of United's high-profile back four to make an equally high-profile error when his mis-control let in Anelka.

This time, however, Barthez rescued his red-faced defence with a fine save.

But there was to be no reprieve five minutes into the second half when more slack defending allowed City in for the killer third goal.

Phil Neville conceded possession in his own half and Niclas Jensen teed Eyal berkovic up for a glorious chipped pass which set Goater up for his 100th City goal.