Sunday’s Manchester derby looked to be a potential obstacle for Manchester City to negotiate in their quest to retain the Premier League title. Meanwhile, the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea were hoping that Manchester United could record a win on their neighbour’s home patch.
Seemed in control
However, City recorded a relatively comfortable 3-1 win, as they dominated the first half, with United only coming within touching in the second half. The only time the Red Devils look a threat was when Anthony Martial cut City’s lead just before the hour-mark.
City looked pretty comfortable in defence until the home side sealed victory on 86th minute through an Ilkay Gundogan effort. Many will have been thinking about last season when the visitors came from two goals down to record a 3-2 win.
However, United were simply not good enough to break through a City defence that is improving with every game playing together.
City not even at their best
Arguably, the home side were not even at their best against their arch-rivals. They did not have to be, though. There was a feeling that City could probably up move up a gear if they needed to.
Such is City’s quality that United would have only got back into the game if Pep Guardiola’s side became complacent.
Not many games that City could lose
Manchester City are no doubt now the dominant force in the Premier League. They have the quality to beat any team in Europe on their day. Boss Pep Guardiola demands constant professionalism, so they do not get complacent.
That means that there are only a few games a season that offers the Citizens a challenge. Guardiola’s side has already got a point at title rivals Liverpool in a goalless draw. The derby was another potentially tough game for the champions.
It seems that the Citizens title rivals may be out of luck if they are hoping for other teams to do them a favour by beating Guardiola’s team, as the men from Manchester are simply relentless.
Can anybody stop Manchester City this season?