The first Manchester derby of the season is always special, but the game on Saturday was made even better by aspects like two of the greatest managers in the world coming up against each other, expensive acquisitions taking the worth of the starting line-up to beyond £600 million, and the probability of one or both teams losing their 100% start to the season. Manchester City came out victorious in a number of ways, while Manchester United were not done and dusted. Here are the three winners from the Manchester derby:
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Pep Guardiola
The former Barcelona manager once again cemented his reputation as having the edge over Jose Mourinho with yet another victory. Guardiola now has eight victories compared to just three for Mourinho in the entire face-off. The victory sends out a statement to the Premier League as City looked extremely comfortable in the first half and the overall score does not reflect the same.
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Kelechi Iheanacho
Even in the absence of Sergio Aguero, Iheanacho was not a favourite to start the game. However, the 19-year-old stamped his authority on the game with an early goal to prove his quality. Guardiola was rewarded for his faith in youth, while Mourinho trusted his experienced campaigners who let him down.
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City’s 100% Start
Manchester City maintained their 100% start to the season as a result of this victory. It gives them a crucial edge – at least until they lose this record – as the only team in the Premier League to have this record.
There are also several losers on Saturday. Here are the top three:
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Jose Mourinho
After having sounded supremely confident about his team’s ability to win the title, Mourinho would be shocked at the way his team surrendered meekly against their arch rivals especially in the first half. After yet another loss against Guardiola, Mourinho’s teams may go into future games against Guardiola as the underdogs.
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Henrikh Mkhitaryan
The summer signing from Borussia Dortmund made his first start against City, but he was hauled off at half-time after struggling to make any impact in attack and defence.
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Wayne Rooney
The Manchester United captain was asked to play all over the pitch and this seemed to affect his game. The short tempered striker lost his cool towards the end of the game and picked up a yellow card.