The city of Manchester was blue once again as Manchester City had the final say in the Manchester derby with a comprehensive 3-1 win over their traditional rivals Manchester United.
Pep Guardiola’s men dominated proceedings right from the kick-off and David Silva put the home side in the driver’s seat with a composed finish just eleven minutes into the game.
The Red Devils never looked like threatening their city rivals and Sergio Aguero put the game virtually beyond the reach of Jose Mourinho’s side just two minutes into the second half, beating David de Gea at his near post with a powerful shot.
United were given a lifeline when Ederson brought down Romelu Lukaku inside the box and resulting spot-kick was turned in by Anthony Martial but Ilkay Gundogan put the final nail in the coffin for the visitors, turning in Bernardo Silva’s cross from the edge of the box.
As a result of the victory, Manchester City sit comfortably atop the standings with a resounding twelve point lead over the Red Devils.
Did not have much to do as City dominated possession but committed a needless foul on Romelu Lukaku which led to the penalty incident.
Solid as a rock at the back and dealt expertly with the threat of Anthony Martial; comfortable in possession and ventured forward with pace; added impetus to the attack with his crosses.
Just as most of his comrades at the back, the Englishman was very solid at the back and did not make any significant errors; bombed forward and played as a midfielder at times.
Defended with a touch of class and elegance; he has really lived up to the expectations this season.
Hardly had anything to do defensively but was a bit wasteful with his deliveries into the box; didn’t have the impact that he usually does.
Showed why he is an indispensable component of City’s midfield engine. Didn’t allow United any space to work with and used his tenacity to cut out the attacks with interceptions; carried the ball forward and played some incisive passes up front.
He is virtually an irreplaceable member of City’s attack. Bullied the defenders with his neat passing and caused all sorts of problems with his subtle movements, drawing the defenders out from their positions; kept his composure to score the opener.
Arguably the best performer for the Citizens in the derby. Comfortable in possession, tidy with his passing and not afraid to take the defenders; set up David Silva for the opener with a pass across the face of the goal and assisted Gundogan for the third.
Provided the cross which ultimately led to Silva’s opener and always a lively presence down the flanks; should have been better with his composure and decision-making in front of goal.
Comfortable in possession, neat with his passing and teed up Aguero for City’s second goal but did not have too much of an impact on the proceedings.
Beat de Gea at his near post with a thunderous strike after hitting the side netting in the first half; showed a lot of pace, tried to make things happen and a good display overall.
Injected pace into the game down the left flank and drifted narrow to make things happen; showed good pace and some elegant touches and should have hit the target with his shot from just outside the box.
Showed a lot of energy in the midfield and carried the ball forward with purpose; combined brilliantly with Bernardo for the third goal.
Not much time to make an impact.