The most expensive match ever played lived up to its billing today at the Theatre of Dreams as long term rivals Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola once more squared up with more than just respect at stake. The game which clearly highlighted the tactical know-how of both managers delivered three first half goals and non-stop action throughout with several chances created and several talking points including two penalty appeals turned down.
Manchester City took control of early proceedings with Manchester United left chasing shadows and they were punished when Kevin de Bruyne scored the game's opener after nicking the ball past a static Daley Blind and then burying it past De Gea. The scorer turned architect minutes later when his left footed effort rebounded off the upright and Nigerian youngster Kelechi Iheanacho was on hand to bury the second. Zlatan Ibrahimovich scored United's lone goal after a collision between Claudio Bravo and Nicolas Otamendi left a loose ball which the veteran buried with a half volley. Despite a much better showing from United in the second half, City held firm to give Guardiola's yet another win against Mourinho and give fans from the blue half of Manchester ecstatic dreams.
However the match result hides some unnoticed flaws which went a long way in determining the final score; some of these observations are;
1. Mourinho and Manchester United showed Manchester City too much respect.
City were allowed to dominate possession and move the ball at will with Manchester United content to sit back, shirk the tackle and man marking, wait for a strange wind to blow the City player off the ball and then attack on the counter. Well as expected, this didn't work and it allowed the Citizens space and time to carve out chances that led to their runaway lead in the game. Equally who starts Lingard in a derby when Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford are cooling off on the bench? You-know-who. Enough said.
2. Claudio Bravo needs time to adapt.
Such was the level of control Manchester City showcased that Claudio Bravo didn't have more than a few saves to make but the Chilean was suspect for United's reply and almost gifted the equalizer again with another botched clearance. Bravo also displayed cold feet when put under pressure and looked like a bomb waiting to explode throughout the game. Manchester City brought in Bravo to play to Guardiola's style but I doubt even Pep will be too happy with his display today.
3. Zlatan and Pogba have bad days too.
Zlatan Ibrahimovich has been the flag bearer of the Manchester United attack and with four goals in three games, it is fair to say he has been doing a good job, but the 34 year old Swede just couldn't get into the game today and will definitely silently thank Claudio Bravo and Nicolas Otamendi for their gift today. Zlatan was man marked effectively and his few touches didn't produce the magic of previous games. He was also unable to convert the few chances that came his way including a point blank header he sent directly into Bravo's waiting arms.
Despite Zlatan failings today, it was nothing compared to the "disappearance" of Paul Pogba from the field of play. There are not many ways to say that the Frenchman's display in today's derby was a bizmo and one that many fans and pundits alike have judged as disappointing for the world's most expensive player. The midfield control, accurate passing, incisive touching and strength on the ball so evident in previous games was missing today when United needed it the most.
Well lots ate lessons are there for the taking but I sincerely doubt that any of both managers will sleep soundly tonight but I'm betting Guardiola sleeps a bit more deep than his counterpart. "Don't quote me"
Guardiola's men followed the script to the letter and have won the battle but make no mistake, the war has only just started.
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