Manchester United vs Manchester City: 3 Things We Learned From The Derby

A majestic yet controlled performance from Manchester City saw Manuel Pellegrini’s men inflict yet another ignominy of disdain as the Citizens blew apart their city rivals by 3-0 in the most awaited, yet one sided Manchester Derby on Tuesday night. Edin Dzeko, the Bosnian who grabbed a fine brace and a late, yet majestic finish from the brilliant Yaya Toure saw City climb to second in the table. For David Moyes though, it was yet another wake up call, his team showed a spineless display of football, with no United player except the brimming Wayne Rooney who displayed the urge to take the game on to the Blues. Here are the talking points from Old Trafford.

Who will stop City’s midfield generals:

The way in which David Silva started the game, his dazzling free flowing brilliance enabled the away side to score within 45 seconds from the kick off. Silva’s darting run within the first 15 seconds showed the intent from Pellegrini’s men who came here all out to stomp their authority in front of the packed United faithful. Silva clearly out shadowed his Spanish teammate, Juan Mata, the latter who had a forgettable outing. Yaya Toure too pulled the strings for City in midfield and aplomb to maraud the United men was a majestic sight to watch.

The Ivorian oozed self confidence from the encounter and continued his goal scoring spree with a sublime finish late on to complete City’s domination on the night. However, most fans will fail to acknowledge the contribution of Fernandinho, for me he was the man of the match. Although, shadowed by the presence of Toure and Silva, the Brazilian was everywhere on the pitch, first to every second ball, and will be a vital cog in City’s wheel for Pellegrini in order to reclaim their Premier League crown.

David Moyes can’t get his team combination correct:

Manchester United looked pedestrian in the first fifteen minutes hardly getting the ball as City played forays in between United’s defensive channels. David Moyes’ team selection was a bit absurd if not entirely exaggerating as the Scot fielded Fellaini and Cleverley in the middle beside Carrick as the pivot. This meant Juan Mata had to be deployed on the wings in the 4-3-3 setup.

Cleverley looked anonymous in the first half and was rightly subbed off in the second half for Shinji Kagawa. The Japanese midfielder, who came in showed some intent and at least tried to link up with Mata and Rooney but failing to get anything decisive. Anton Valencia should have started the game to offer width on the pitch, while Mata should have played in his favourite number ten role to at least make an impact on the counter.

Edin Dzeko made a statement of intent:

The Bosnian was a constant menace for the United back four with Ferdinand having a forgettable night. Dzeko then doubled the lead early in the second half with a well controlled finish and perhaps made a statement of intent before being subbed off, replaced by Alvaro Negredo. It is believed that that Dzeko is on his way out of the Etihad in the summer as he is Pellegrini’s third choice striker behind Aguero and Negredo but the fervor and desire with which he played might force Pellegrini to rethink.