Mumbai: Pep Guardiola drew first blood in the battle for supremacy in Manchester against Jose Mourinho as City beat United 2-1. The derby was build-up as resumption of hostilities between the Spanish and Portuguese managers, but in this one, Pep clearly outwitted Mourinho to script a perfect note.
Kevin De Byune and Kelechi Iheanacho scored for the visitors, while Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored the only goal for Mourinho’s side.
Here are some points from the clash on where the Manchester derby was won or lost.
Mourinho's team selection raised a lot of questions. (Photo: AP)
1. Jose’s shambolic team selection
Mourinho is seen as a manager who always selects his players on merit. However, his team selection for the derby raised a lot of questions. Henrikh Mkhitaryan was handed his first Premier League start, while Jesse Lingard was also included – the winning combination was disturbed.
If Mourinho was hoping for individual flair and pressure on City’s full-backs, then he must be severely disappointed as both Mkhitaryan and Lingard came up short – allowing City to dictate terms in the first-half.
Jose realised his mistake and took off both Mkhitaryan and Lingard at half-time, bringing on Ander Herrera and Marcus Rashford.
It was an evening to forget for Daley Blind. (Photo: AP)
2. Shocking defending by United
Red Devils’ defending was a major let down. City scored their first goal in a very un-Pep manner – a miscommunication between centre-back pairing of Daley Blind and Eric Bailly allowed Iheanacho to head a long ball to De Bruyne after Bailly was caught out. De Bryune then beat a slow moving Blind to bury the ball in the back of the net.
Blind was at fault again after he played Iheanacho onside, who tapped in De Bryune’s shot that rebounded off the post.
De Bruyne scored the first goal for Manchester City. (Photo: AP)
3. Kevin De Bruyne: The king of Manchester derby
Jose rejected De Bruyne at Chelsea – the decision came back to haunt him. The Belgian was highly influential for Pep’s team as he scored the first goal, set up the second, and was denied another goal by the woodwork.
De Bruyne combined beautifully with David Silva, and created a lot of trouble with his movement for the United defence. The former Chelsea player thrived under the derby pressure, creating chances with a masterful display.
Ibrahimovic missed numerous-goal scoring chances. (Photo: AP)
4. Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paul Pogba – Marquee disappointed
Ibrahimovic did pull a goal back for the home team with his exquisite finishing, but it was one of the most unproductive nights for the Swedish striker. Zlatan’s eagerness to score against Pep and City resulted in him missing numerous-goal scoring chances.
It seemed he was more interested in blasting the ball into the back of the net rather than taking his time to convert the opportunity. The Swede came across a glorious opportunity, moments after scoring, however he hit that straight to the goalkeeper – not realising he had the time for an extra touch.
The most expensive player in the world, Paul Pogba, also looked out of sorts on the derby day. The midfielder was completely overshadowed by City playmakers and Fernandinho.
