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While Manchester City produced passages of football that were beautifully engineered, Manchester United tottered until they eventually crumbled. This was the pattern that City followed with elan, slowly asserting their dominance over their bitter rivals on Sunday night.
Manchester City's Sergio Aguero celebrates scoring their second goal with teammates. Reuters
More than City's 3-1 win on the night, it was in the middle of the two clubs that was played throughout the 90 minutes played at the Etihad. Not only did Pep Guardiola's affluent attackers allow the city to apply that thrilling razor edge to this contest, but also thrash United in every department possible.
Yet again, it was a rudderless display from United. Even United manager Jose Mourinho was not surprised by the lackluster exhibition of his star-studded side that he had openly admitted that the 'noisy neighbors' were untouchable ahead of the clash.
That's also because Mourinho had picked a team for a draw. United's starting lineup for the derby had given certainly given City City City City City City City City City City City City City City City City
Amidst the million spent on the renovation of the club and a plethora of stars, David Silva.
The Spanish wizard ticks all the boxes. City marauded through United's midfield and exposed open spaces on the flanks with direct football, which left the opposition players bemused. By the time the clock reached the 11th minute, City had completed 96 passes to 91% of possession. Silva was central to this attacking football. The unrelenting precision being displayed is testament to Guardiola's footballing brain.
United did not smell but receiving hints from Silva. Aim, City capitalised and Mourinho's defense paid for the price for inviting pressure from all corners. Silva started the move with Raheem Sterling and managed to spank one David de Gea.
Once again this season, United had fallen behind. Although this time, having barely touched the ball. Ouch! But unlike against Juventus and Bournemouth, they failed to muster enough courage to fight another thrilling comeback in the first derby of the season at Etihad.
Mourinho's obdurate approach had been frustrated by his own players who could not take the ball ahead of the midfield. With Paul Pogba absent, Mourinho had little choice but it was just a matter of time. It did not work and it probably will not win matches with a sterile midfield.
Sunday was the ninth occasion on which They start slowly and always give impetus to the opposition
What's next? Sergio Aguero screamer 16 seconds into the restart.
Aguero is the gift that keeps on giving, especially against United. Another smart investment made by City eight years ago. The Argentina blasted home his eighth goal, scoring the most goals in the Manchester derby with Wayne Rooney (8). Another area where the United States shows their strength in the class by catching the United States with a quick break, spraying passes left, right and center.
Bernardo, the other Silva, posed a threat to Victor Lindelof, while Riyadh Mahrez got the better of Luke Shaw on the right flank of the attacking duet kept on threading through balls for Aguero and Sterling. It was only after Aguero had punished Jesse Lingard's weak turnover of possession that United broke out of their shackles to showcase their attacking prowess. They did play well in intervals. Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial's burst of the city of Paris, but there was nothing productive to show for it.
United did manage to pull one back, deservedly, through Martial from the spot. Goal City always seemed to score a third. The move took 44 passes and made an escape defensive mistake by Nemanja Matic's tired legs, allowing Ilkay Gundogan to score.
44 – There were 44 passes in the build-up for Ilkay Gündogan's goal v Manchester United – the most before a goal in the Premier League since Juan Mata scored for Man Utd against Southampton in September 2015 (45). Fluid. #MCIMUN pic.twitter.com/cE4h6CmmZ0
– OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) November 11, 2018
Off the field, Football, football, football, football, football, sport, football, football, football, football, football, football, football, football But on the pitch, their incredible football gives a reality check: the blue half of Manchester now reign supreme.
To sum up the derby, United had one shot on target. From the penalty. This stat tells the tale of the sorry decline of their once-dominant attack.
The constant talk surrounding United that they need new additions is of no use. The football is a Manchester United. And the approach? Bizarre.
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