The Manchester Derby of the weekend was one
Derek Sanderson Women Jersey for the ages for Pep Guardiolas side, as they demolished bitter rivals Manchester United with a 4-1 rout at the Etihad Stadium.Two goals apiece from Kevin De Bruyne and Riyad Mahrez separated the hosts and Manchester United, who were torn to pieces despite Jadon Sanchos brilliant first-half equaliser.In the second-half, all Manchester United could do was witne s a side that belongs amongst the pantheon of greats in Premier League history put on a display that proves the league table is never wrong.As Manchester City stepped up their pursuit for another Premier League title in frightening fashion, here are five things we learned from a derby day drubbing.Out of his nine goals in the Premier League this season, four have come up against Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United - a statistic that tells you all you need to know about Kevin De Bruynes big-game credentials.In Sunday's Manchester derby, with the narrative of an intense Premier League title race in the background, the Belgian maestro was simply unplayable. The Manchester City skipper made a late run into the box and picked his spot for his sides opener and followed it up with a second where it was a cla sic of case While Riyad Mahrez deserves to be lauded for his stunning finish for Manchester City's third goal, Kevin De Bruynes delivery couldnt have been any more on the money.But aside from his brace and a sist, the midfield maestro was integral to the Sky Blues plan of turning the tables on United and playing on the break in the first 45 - as his devastating ball-carrying ability and eye for a pa s proved once again that there is simply not a bigger transitional threat in world football.Kevin De Bruyne and big games: Name a more iconic duo, Ill wait.Starting his first ever Manchester Derby, it isnt an outlandish take to suggest that Jack Grealish could well have been
Cam Neely Men Jersey crowned Man of the Match on the day.The Englishmans game was subtly brilliant throughout, playing swift one-twos and causing a left-sided overload alongside Bernardo Silva and Joao Cancelo that meant United were in sixes and sevens from minute one.Grealish was one of the protagonists in the build-up to both of Citys first two goals, using his quick feet to slip in a pa s for Bernardo Silva down the flank for his eventual a sist, whilst winning the header that found Phil Foden for the second.Another point that should not be swept under the rug is that derby days can turn into end-to-end basketball games, and his understanding of retaining the ball to slow the tempo
Anton Khudobin Jersey down and drawing pre sers to himself to free up space for his teammates also ensured City could halt Uniteds transition-heavy ways.Strictly from a defensive point of view, the former Aston Villa man was found tracking back into Citys six-yard box, leaving a leg in to make a crucial challenge when needed and battling for headers - an underrated aspect of his game.Picking up central positions and driving with the ball and constantly finding his teammates, its impo sible not to keep harping on about that Jack Grealish mastercla s.Scroll to ContinueIts a pity that Phil Fodens flawle s flick over Victor Lindelofs head and shot didnt rupture the back of the net. Minus the blonde trim, that was the closest thing to Paul Gascoignes iconic goal against Scotland at Euro 96.But for the to put on such a marvellous showing in an unnatural false nine role on derby day is another example of why theres no youngster on the planet that is as tactically flexible as him.The 21-year olds footballing brain was an intimidating sight once again, as he dismantled Uniteds shape on several occasions, dropping as deep as into central midfield and attracting the opposition pre s like a true master of his craft.What was perhaps even more surprising was how Foden proved to be an excellent source for Citys out-ball into him, as his sublime touch from any pa s into him from either Laporte or Stones
Ray Bourque Kids Jersey made him look right at home up front.From picking pa ses from deeper areas, to bullying Aaron-Wan Bi saka off the ball and shifting to the left flank to form a four-man overload, the England internationals comfortability in a position that should not suit him on paper was astonishing. In the words of none other than the legendary Sergio Aguero, Phil Foden really was on Sunday evening. The Algerian is only the second player in the Premier League to score 20 goals in all competitions and yet, his incredible campaign has barely garnered a whisper from the pre s.Once again, Riyad Mahrez came up trumps when all eyes were on him.The former Leicester mans ability to come into his own in big games stretches back to his exploits in the Champions League last season, and in the Manchester Derby, he was at his ****ing best
Jakub Zboril Jersey as per usual.A betting man would lay down a punt on the fact that Riyad Mahrez belongs in the select few group of players that not only execute a first-time half-volley to a tee, but rifle it into the back of the net. , is an insight into how his footballing IQ has improved tenfold under Pep Guardiola.A criminally underrated season from a masterful footballer that deserves his flowers.Ahead of derby day, the worries were understandable, as performances against Tottenham and Everton in particular had been unconvincing. But its always imperative to remember that this team is one of the greatest footballing ensembles of the modern era.Pep Guardiolas Manchester City sides trophy cabinet backs the aforementioned statement, but they really are the very best at both leading a Premier League title race as well as being as being chase-masters, as seen in 2018 and 2019 respectively.Liverpool remain a threat until the end of the season without question, but to lose your faith in this incredible bunch of players is nave to say the least. You can follow us for live updates here: