LONDON, Aug 19: Manchester United's stuttering start to the defence of the Premier League title became a full-blown slump on Sunday when they were beaten 1-0 by Manchester City.

The win, courtesy of Geovanni's 31st minute shot, left Sven-Goran Eriksson's City top of the league with a maximum nine points and looking down on their rivals who languish just outside the bottom three with two points.

It is United's worst start to a Premier League season since 1992 when they managed just one point from their opening three matches. It is also the worst start by any defending champions.

United's main title rivals all dropped points, however.

Liverpool and Chelsea drew 1-1 at Anfield, Frank Lampard's harshly-awarded penalty cancelling out Fernando Torres' opener, while Arsenal were held to a 1-1 draw at Blackburn Rovers.

An untidy Manchester derby at Eastlands was settled after 31 minutes by Geovanni, one of the numerous foreign signings made by former England boss Eriksson since taking charge last month.

The Brazilian midfielder delivered a low swerving shot that skimmed off the shin of United defender Nemanja Vidic before nestling inside the post.

It was one of the few City attacks in a match dominated by a United side missing the injured Wayne Rooney and suspended Cristiano Ronaldo but including Owen Hargreaves in midfield for the first time since signing from Bayern Munich.

United should have taken the lead in the opening minutes when Carlos Tevez and Paul Scholes combined to release Nani but his finish lacked conviction and was smothered by City keeper Kasper Schmeichel, son of United great Peter.

Patrice Evra wasted another chance for United after a Nani back heel as United dominated the early exchanges, only to be stunned by Geovanni's opener in City's first attack.

Results: