Manchester City showed why they are the favourites to win the Premier League title this season, as they beat their arch-rivals Manchester United 3-1 at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday. The hosts were in control from the start, and scored three goals in the second half through Phil Foden and Erling Haaland, who both completed their hat-tricks. Marcus Rashford scored a consolation goal for United, who were outclassed and outplayed by their neighbours.
City have now won 15 of their last 16 games in all competitions, and have opened up a 12-point gap at the top of the table. United, on the other hand, have lost three of their last four league games, and are now fourth, 15 points behind City. The result also ended United’s six-game winning streak away from home, and gave City their first home win over United since 2018.
Foden and Haaland terrorize United’s defence
The key players for City were Foden and Haaland, who formed a lethal partnership upfront. Foden, who started on the left wing, scored his first goal in the 56th minute, when he latched onto a pass from Kevin De Bruyne and slotted the ball past Andre Onana. He doubled his tally in the 80th minute, when he pounced on a loose ball in the box and fired a low shot into the bottom corner.
Haaland, who joined City from Borussia Dortmund in January, scored his first goal in the 90th minute, when he headed in a cross from Riyad Mahrez. He added two more goals in stoppage time, first with a powerful strike from outside the box, and then with a cool finish after a one-two with Foden. Haaland now has 10 goals in 10 games for City, and has become the first player to score a hat-trick in a Manchester derby since Sergio Aguero in 2014.
Rashford scores but United struggle to create chances
United’s only goal came from Rashford, who scored in the eighth minute, when he ran onto a through ball from Bruno Fernandes and chipped the ball over Ederson. However, that was one of the few chances that United created, as they struggled to cope with City’s high press and fluid movement. United had only two shots on target in the whole game, compared to City’s eight, and had only 27% of possession, compared to City’s 73%.
United’s defence was also exposed by City’s pace and creativity, as they conceded three goals in the second half. United were without their captain Harry Maguire, who was injured, and had to play Victor Lindelof as a makeshift left-back. Jonny Evans and Raphael Varane also had a torrid time dealing with Foden and Haaland, who ran riot in the final third.
City celebrate as United lick their wounds
The final whistle sparked jubilant scenes among the City players and fans, who celebrated their emphatic victory over their bitter rivals. City manager Pep Guardiola praised his team’s performance, and said that they were “incredible” and “fantastic”. He also singled out Foden and Haaland for their contributions, and said that they were “two of the best young players in the world”.
United manager Erik ten Hag, on the other hand, admitted that his team were “second best” and “not good enough”. He said that he was “disappointed” and “angry” with the result, and that his team needed to “improve” and “bounce back”. He also defended his tactical choices, and said that he tried to play with “energy” and “intensity”, but that City were “too strong” and “too smart”.
The result means that City are now firmly on course to win their fourth Premier League title in five years, while United are facing a battle to finish in the top four. The two teams will meet again in the FA Cup quarter-finals on March 16, where United will hope to avenge their defeat and end City’s hopes of a quadruple.
