- City’s resounding victory
- United’s missed triumph
- Lopsided derby outcome
“Mind the gap,” “Old Trafford is deteriorating,” and “we’ve got Guardiola”: what a day these choruses brightened the day of Manchester City supporters, who celebrated their team’s victory over a lifeless, concept-less Manchester United.
United’s Missed Triumph
Erik ten Hag’s team failed to offer the one thing Sir Bobby Charlton, beseeching from above, wanted: a win. Furthermore, they failed to deliver a performance due to their lack of a coherent creative strategy in contrast to their opponent, who obviously possessed one.
A Lopsided Derby
This 191st derby had a throwback atmosphere for a portion of the first half. As United and City vied for the lead, and players engaged in contests for individual supremacy. Then, the defending champions reversed course and blasted away United, who were ultimately humiliated.
Foden and Haaland Shine
United supporters fled in large numbers when Phil Foden converted Erling Haaland’s selfless pass from André Onana’s line, and the manner in which the strike was executed encapsulated the current condition of their team. Rodri’s opportunity to shoot after being permitted to pad forward by a disinterested Christian Eriksen foreshadowed this City third; upon Onana’s save, the Norwegian was able to effortlessly set up Foden.
Haaland finished with eleven Premier League appearances, compared to nine at the outset. Before halftime, a helpless Rasmus Hjlund knocked Rodri down, and the 6ft 4in phenomenon redirected Onana.
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His second goal, which was set up by a diving Bernardo Silva cross, arrived after the sides had switched positions. United’s entire rearguard was absorbed, leaving Haaland unchallenged to head home.
A Grim Outlook for United
Based on this analysis, there is no uncertainty: United is regressing from the team that finished third and won the Carabao Cup last season, whereas City’s finest 45 minutes of the season may have occurred in this match – ominous for any title contenders.
Blue blooded Old Trafford fans taunted their opponents with “See the champions and f*ck off home.” as the contest neared its end. By that time, many had already done so, and it was difficult to condemn them.
