Premier League
Manchester City Earn Derby Day Honours
Goals from David Silva, Sergio Aguero and IIkay Gundogan helped Manchester City defeat Manchester United and take the Derby day honours at the Etihad.
The win sees City move back to the top of the Premier League table and are two points clear of Liverpool.
David Silva gave the Citizens the lead in the first half with a shot from inside the box. Sergio Aguero doubled City’s advantage two minutes into the second half, smashing his shot beyond David De Gea in the United goal.
A penalty from Anthony Martial gave Manchester United some hope, but IIkay Gundogan sealed the victory for Manchester City late on, with a calm finish from close range.
The defeat was United’s first in five Premier League games and was Jose Mourinho’s first loss in a Manchester Derby at the Etihad.
Manchester City started the brighter and nearly went in front inside the opening minute.
A great strike from Bernardo Silva from 25-yards out sailed just wide of the right hand post.
On 11 minutes City took the lead. A great cross by Raheem Sterling found Bernardo Silva at the back post. He cut the ball back to David Silva who’s deflected shot found the net from six yards out.
City started with a frenetic pace but having went in front started to slow the game down and began to dictate the tempo of the game.
United were struggling to get into the match and create any clear cut chances.
Just before half time, Sergio Aguero found the side netting after being played through by Bernardo Silva.
In truth it was a poor first half with only one shot on target between both sides.
Manchester City March On
Having thrown away a two goal lead the last time Manchester City played United at the Etihad, City boss Pep Guardiola would have been eager for his side not to be complacent.
Just two minutes into the second half, Manchester City doubled their lead. Sergio Aguero thumped the ball into the net from inside the penalty box, which flew past De Gea and into the top corner.
Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho immediately reacted to going two down by bringing Romelu Lukaku on for Jesse Lingard.
The Belgian striker made an immediate impact to give United a lifeline.
A through ball set Lukaku in on goal. He got to the ball just ahead of City goalkeeper Ederson who brought him down for a penalty.
Up stepped Anthony Martial who send the Brazilian goalkeeper the wrong way to give United some hope.
United were starting to throw men forward as they chased an equaliser and on 74 minutes they were almost caught on the counter attack.
Sterling drove forward on the right hand side and played a square ball to substitute Leroy Sane. The German unleashed a shot from just outside the box, which sailed way over the crossbar.
Manchester City sealed all three points with four minutes remaining.
A cross into the box by Bernardo Silva picked out IIkay Gundogan who was left completely unmarked in the penalty area.
The German international had time to take the ball down and fire the ball into the net to seal the victory. The final touch was at the end of an incredible 44 pass move.
Overall Manchester City outclassed Manchester United and are looking like they are starting to hit top gear.
Manchester City On Form
It is going to be hard for anyone to stop Manchester City this season.
They weren’t at their best against United but at times they totally outclassed their local rivals.
If a goal epitomized how City boss Pep Guardiola wants his team to play, it was IIkay Gundogan’s decisive finish.
It came at the end of a superb 44 pass move, where Manchester United couldn’t get anywhere near City’s players.
They dictated play for large spells of the game. Both David Silva and Bernardo Silva were instrumental in controlling possession and were a constant threat.
Pep Guardiola has so many options and an incredible strength in depth that makes them favourities for the title.
Unlike in previous season’s there seems to be a hunger from Manchester City’s players to win back-to-back Premier League titles, something that has eluded them so far.
Given that they have Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham all at home in the coming months, that may not elude them for much longer.
Manchester United Outclassed
This defeat underlines the challenge facing Manchester United to try and get back to the summit of the Premier League.
Once again, Jose Mourinho set up his team in a negative manner, trying to defend and hit on the break.
Despite the pace of Marcus Rashford, Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial, none of them were able to get into the game.
United lack creativity in midfield and badly need a player like David Silva to make things happen.
Also, not for the first time this season Manchester United were poor in defense. In particular for Gundogan’s goal where he was left totally unmarked inside the penalty box.
The German even had time to take the ball down, before hitting his shot beyond David De Gea.
At this level that shouldn’t be happening. Perhaps the biggest disappointment for Mourinho will be how United failed to kick on after Martial’s penalty. After that they barely created anything.
Overall United need a complete rebuild if they are to challenge Manchester City for the Premier League title.
Following the international break Manchester City face West Ham away.
Up next for Manchester United is Crystal Palace at Old Trafford.
Photo credit to Manchester City via Twitter
