Esteemed Kompany host Steven Mcinerney looks at 5 things we learned from Manchester City’s 3-1 derby win over Manchester United. Pep Guardiola’s side dominated the 192nd derby to pick up a crucial three points. They also showed there is daylight between the two clubs on the pitch as they set about dominating Erik ten Hag’s side.
Here are 5 things we learned from Sunday’s emphatic derby triumph for Manchester City.
Phil Foden has become the main man
Sunday’s derby saw Phil Foden continue his stunning form. The England international has been one of City’s best players this campaign and he showed it again in City’s derby win.
Foden has now taken his position as one of City’s most important players. His brace against United helped City overcome a 1-nil deficit and it laid the foundation for a crucial win for Pep Guardiola’s side.
Phil Foden has arrived this season and his performance at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday was even more proof of this.
John Stones is a remarkable player
John Stones continued his impressive form with another stunning display against Manchester United. Since making his return from injury the England international has shown just how important he is to Pep Guardiola’s side.
But Stones also showed that his game is continuing to develop. He is arguably the only player in world football who can the role he is asked to by Pep Guardiola. He has begun to venture further forward and is becoming a key weapon in City’s attacking play.
John Stones is a remarkable player and he showed it again on Sunday.
Bernardo Silva can always be relied upon in big games
It isn’t a stunning revelation but Bernardo Silva can always be relied upon to perform in big games. He has a stunning resume of performances when his team needs him the most and it was on full display against Manchester United.
Whether it be in possession or fighting to retain possession Bernardo was everywhere on Sunday. He is one of City’s most important players and his importance was clear to see at the Etihad Stadium.
If Manchester City are to repeat their treble heroics from last season Bernardo Silva will be at the heart of it all.
Jeremy Doku’s form has dipped after his stunning start to his City career
On a less positive note, the performances of winger Jeremy Doku have dipped in recent weeks. Whether it is fatigue or a case of teams working out Doku’s game remains to be seen. His effort can’t be faulted but his execution has been lacking in recent performances.
The Belgian winger began his City career in sparkling form. He was a key part of City’s set-up at the beginning of the season. Doku does have time on his side to develop his game given his age. But as Pep Guardiola’s side chases even more history this season they will need Doku to fire sooner rather than later.
Mind the gap Manchester United
It was clear during Sunday’s Manchester derby that the gap between the two sides has become even wider. The teams are separated by 18 points on the Premier League table and that was clear as the game progressed.
While Manchester United did take an 8th-minute lead through a stunning Marcus Rashford strike they were comprehensively outplayed by the world champions. The fact that Manchester City had more shots than United had possession speaks volumes of the gap between the two teams.
It is music to Manchester City fan’s ears to see such a gap between the two teams on the pitch. The two Manchester derbies this season have made it obvious where the power lies in Manchester.
Summary
Steven Mcinerney looks at 5 things we learned from Manchester City’s 3-1 win over Manchester United in the video below.
