Manchester City claimed the 192nd Manchester derby with a 3-1 win at the Etihad Stadium yesterday. It was a crucial win for Pep Guardiola’s side given the state of this season’s Premier League title race. City had to score late to make certain of their victory with Phil Foden and Erling Haaland scoring in the 80th and 91st minute to seal the win. But at the final whistle, it was clear that on the pitch Manchester City are light years ahead of Manchester United.
The style of football played by both teams spoke volumes of the gap between the two teams. Erik ten Hag’s side sat back and looked to hit City on the counter. It did give them a lead in the 8th minute through a Marcus Rashford wonder goal. Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola’s side dominated possession and looked to press the visitors at every opportunity. At times Manchester United couldn’t get out of their defence such was City’s dominance.
The stats tell the story of Manchester City’s dominance in the 3-1 win. Pep Guardiola’s side had more shots than United had possession. That statistic which can be seen below highlights the gap between the two teams.
Man City had more shots than Man United had % possession during yesterday’s Manchester Derby 😯 pic.twitter.com/bsSKhXz2Ib
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 4, 2024
While Manchester United frustrated Manchester City for almost 50 minutes after taking the lead it did feel inevitable that City would win the game if they could score an equaliser. It proved to be the case after Phil Foden scored a rocket to make it 1-all in the 56th minute. City would dominate the remainder of the game before two late goals sealed their win.
Manchester City are light years ahead of Manchester United on the pitch. It was evident throughout yesterday’s derby. Given the way the two Manchester derbies have played out this season, it could remain the case for some time to come. Manchester City have emphatically won both meetings this season as they ensured that Manchester remains blue.
