High-octane City claim bragging rights with Manchester derby win
CHAMPIONS Manchester City moved 12 points ahead of rivals Manchester United in the Premier League with a hardfought 3-1 win in yesterday’s derby.
David Silva opened the scoring as the leaders made a blistering start at the Etihad Stadium and Sergio Aguero doubled the advantage with his eighth derby goal after the break. United, who were without Paul Pogba, responded through Anthony Martial after substitute Romelu Lukaku won a penalty, but Ilkay Gundogan wrapped up victory for Pep Guardiloa’s men with their third goal.
City started in high-octane mode. Bernardo Silva fired wide from a cutting Fernandinho pass before United had even touched the ball, then Aguero – sporting a new blond hairstyle – miskicked in front of goal and Fernandinho drove wide.
The opener came after 12 minutes as Raheem Sterling’s deep cross was kept in play by Bernardo Silva and pulled back for David Silva to take a touch and fire home from close range, via a deflection.
United eventually began to settle and tighten up, but it was some time before they had even half a chance, Chris Smalling heading harmlessly over from a Jesse Lingard cross.
Some good play from the visitors presented Martial with an opening in the box, but Fernandinho made a timely challenge.
City stirred back into life after a quiet spell just before the interval as Bernardo Silva fed Aguero and the Argentinian drove into the sidenetting.
That proved a sighter for Aguero, who doubled City’s lead three minutes into the second half following a lightning attack. Lingard failed to control a David De Gea pass on halfway and Fernandinho was quickly onto the ball to set City on the attack. Aguero burst forward and played a one-two with Riyad Mahrez before unleashing a ferocious shot into the top corner.
The game was far from over, however, as United boss Jose Mourinho turned to his bench and sent on Lukaku just before the hour.
Just 30 seconds later the Belgium international went through on goal and was taken down by goalkeeper Ederson – and Martial calmly stroked home the spot-kick.
City controlled the closing stages and their pressure eventually paid off as Bernardo Silva set up substitute Gundogan to score from close range.