The Manchester derby has been won and lost with the blue half of the city claiming the bragging rights over their less noisy neighbours.
The agelong rivalry lived up to its billing as Pep Guardiola again showed Jose Mourinho why he has been his nightmare over the years when they both clash. No doubt, the contest never looked as if it was swaying either side of the coin until referee Mark Clattenburg blew the final whistle in fifth minute of injury time. Suresoccer made a live coverage of the keenly-contested match and presents six things we learnt from the Manchester derby.
1. A game of thrones The match was definitely a contest of who rules the city of Manchester as the game met all expectations. Both teams showed the stuff they were made of from the blast of the whistle and it was an end-to-end encounter.
City outplayed the Red Devils by the skin of their teeth at Old Trafford and have shown that they have what it takes to go all the way to win the Premier League. 2. City were technically the better side Manchester City had more depth in the match than their opponents and they played with caution without taking anything for granted in all departments of the team.
2. City were technically the better side Manchester City had more depth in the match than their opponents and they played with caution without taking anything for granted in all departments of the team.
Sometimes City did not have to worry about their losing possession in critical areas of the midfield as they stood tall in defence without being in a hurry to clear the ball from dangerous areas.
3. ‘Suicidal’ Bravo This man is the reason Joe Hart was axed from the Manchester City squad but his debut appearance raised lots of questions about his keeper-sweeper role as he gifted a goal to the home side.
Bravo could not handle the ball as he gifted United a goal One three occasions he nearly put United back into the game with his indecisive clearances. He was responsible for the solitary strike by the home tea, but inspite of his loss, the opposite number one was fantastic on the evening.
4. The game was won in the midfield Surprisingly, the world’s most expensive player, Paul Pogba was second best to David Silva all day as the Citizens had a commanding performance in midfield.
Fernandinho, De Bryune, Nolito, Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sane were all in control of possession forcing United to backtrack and re-group in the match which gave City added advantage all through the match.
5. Iheanacho/Rashford The argument is not who is the better player for the Manchester sides, but how they have contributed in deciding the game at the long run for their teams.
Iheanacho scored and made an assist while Rashford was also brilliant on the night, taking on defenders plus scoring a disallowed goal in the derby. The match undoubtedly produced two of Europe’s future stars in the match with the quality and technical abilities both teenagers have shown so far.
6. The Guardiola streak Guardiola has continued his winning streak over Mourinho with his first derby win and his sixth consecutive victory over his eternal rival and proved it was no fluke.
Mourinho on the other hand, has seen why the Spanish tactician always edged his tactical brilliance when they both cross each others part.