Manchester City took a massive step towards the Premier League title after a comfortable 2-1 win against Manchester United at Old Trafford, taking their advantage over their opponents to 11 points.
Pep Guardiola’s men came into this game off the back of an unfortunate loss in Ukraine against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League, which ended their 20-game winning run in all competitions. They had previously beat West Ham United at the Etihad Stadium to consolidate their eight-point lead over their opponents. Opponents United sealed their place in the last 16 of the Champions League with a 2-1 win against Russian side CSKA Moscow at home.
The Citizens opened the scoring with two minutes to go before half-time after David Silva clipped the ball past David de Gea from close range. The home side levelled in a matter of moments when a long ball wasn’t dealt with properly by Fabian Delph, enabling Marcus Rashford to pounce and get United back into a game that they were being dominated in for the majority of the first half.
Nine minutes into the second half, City regained their lead when Nicolas Otamendi hit a rebound past David de Gea after Romelu Lukaku failed to clear a David Silva free-kick. Throughout the rest of the half, United had very few opportunities to get back into the match, with Ederson making a fantastic double save to keep City ahead. The result of this match will be a massive confidence booster for the away side as they continue their fantastic run of form in the Premier League.
Here are our player ratings from the match.
Ederson - 7
Despite the pressure from the United forwards, Ederson was as composed as ever. Made two fantastic saves in quick succession to keep City ahead, which effectively won them the match.
Kyle Walker - 7
His quick pace was crucial in dealing with the threats of Martial and Rashford, and provided the right amount of aggression in an intense derby match.
Vincent Kompany - 6
Was key in helping City deal with the long balls from United in the first half and made a vital interception to keep his side in control of the game. Unfortunately for him and for City, his injury woes continued when he was brought off at half-time.
Nicolas Otamendi - 8
Played a big part in the buildup to the first goal, and scored the second to win his side the game. His defensive play was top class and his passing out from the back was faultless.
Fabian Delph - 6
Unfortunate to not deal with the long ball for United’s equalising goal, but despite that he performed well throughout.
Kevin De Bruyne - 7
Not his best performance, but was far better than any of United’s attacking players. He started to become more prominent in the second half when there was a lot more space to play in.
Fernandinho - 7
The Brazilian was a critical figure in the oiled machine that is City. He was the catalyst for the majority of the away side’s attacks and even provided a cameo at centre-back.
David Silva - 8
Opened the scoring for City and was part of the system that gradually pulled apart Jose Mourinho’s “park the bus” system. Was a cut above the United players on the pitch and showed his class in a derby once again.
Raheem Sterling - 7
His pace caused a lot of problems for United and had their defence step back a few yards. Never really looked like scoring, but was a useful attacking option in pulling apart a defensive home side.
Gabriel Jesus - 7
A surprise starter for the Citizens, but the Brazilian proved the doubters wrong as he worked tirelessly to keep City on the front foot and allow Sterling the time and space to get into the box.
Leroy Sane - 6
Wasn’t at his explosive best, but was a big part of the City system with a pass-and-move style of play.
Substitutions
Ilkay Gündogan (for Kompany HT) – Was brought in for Kompany and put in a good performance – 6
Eliaquim Mangala (for Jesus 59) – Defended well when needed – 7
Bernardo Silva (for Sane 87) – Should have scored at the end – 5