City smashes United !

After Arsenal’s convincing 3-1 win over Tottenham in yesterday’s North London derby, the Citizens had to respond in the Manchester derby to come within a point of the Gunners. They did it, and in a big way !

This derby was supposed to be a thrilling clash between the Manchester neighbours. In the end, the Sky Blues shone collectively to inflict a set of tennis on the Red Devils, who were quickly dispossessed of all conviction. A good part of United’s supporters did not wait until the end of the match to leave the Etihad: 4-0 at half-time was too much for them. They had absolutely no faith in an incredible comeback and they were right : Antony’s second-half goal was overshadowed by two new Citizens goals, and the late revival was far too late as it only served to slightly salvage the honour. Erling Haaland and Phil Foden were particularly outstanding during this attacking recital.

Hat trick mode : ON. Haaland and Foden both scored hat-tricks and were merciless executioners at the Etihad this afternoon, and both left with a match ball. Kevin De Bruyne also stood out, as he does in every game. The Belgian maestro’s passing game has been causing havoc in opposing defences and his ability to find Haaland is causing big damage, as evidenced by his two assists today. Coming back to the Norwegian cyborg, it’s quite easy to see that he is determined to eat up as many Premier League records as possible. Already 14 goals and 3 assists in 8 league games, stats that are simply aberrant for the one who, week after week, gives the impression of getting stronger and stronger. Already when he was at Dortmund, his game intelligence was on the rise. And since his arrival at City, it hasn’t slowed down, far from it, as shown by his two assists for Foden today. He is a great team player and it shows, with Manchester City looking more successful than ever. Haaland has scored three hat-tricks at the Etihad in the last three matches, which goes a long way to explaining City’s four-goal minimum for the visitors so far this season.

But there are a few things that must have made Pep Guardiola sit up and take notice, and they are in defence. Indeed, Kyle Walker, his right back, was injured and forced off in the first half. The defensive passivity at the end of the game, which allowed Anthony Martial to score a double, must not have pleased him either. For the record, the French striker has just scored one year after his last Premier League goal.

In their next league game, City will host Southampton. The following day Arsenal will host Liverpool, who have once again dropped points on the road after drawing 3-3 with Brighton.