Manchester City fell 14 points behind in the title race as they succumbed to a 2-1 derby defeat against Manchester United at the Etihad.
The game was an end to end affair at the start, and it felt like a real derby with two teams having a go at each other. Manchester United looked like scoring every time they pushed on the break. They opened the scoring through Marcus Rashford who scored from the spot after VAR intervened and punished Bernardo Silva rightfully.
City had plenty of possession, but they were unable to convert their half chances. Anthony Martial made it two just before the half-hour mark as he finished from the edge of the box. Jesus had the best opportunity for City in the first half, but he fired his header wide.
Guardiola’s men weren’t able to create many clear cut opportunities, and United made some crucial last-ditch blocks and interceptions. Otamendi pulled one back from a corner, but it was only a consolation in the end.
Here is how the reigning Premier League champions fared.
Ederson 5
Got beaten at the near post for the second goal so some questions might be raised over him. Made some crucial saves in the first half to keep his side in the game. However, those were the kind of saves which one would expect a goalkeeper to make.
Kyle Walker 6
Recovered quite a few through balls by utilising his pace. Wasn’t able to provide much quality while going forward.
John Stones 4
Was often passive defensively as United sliced open City’s defence plenty of times in the first half. Went off through an injury which is another concern for Guardiola.
Fernandinho 5
Had a tough time in keeping up with Rashford’s pace and he struggled whenever United were able to break. As always, was tidy on the ball.
Angelino 2
Could have been tighter in defence for the second goal as he allowed Martial too much space. Daniel James troubled him on several occasions. Found himself in plenty of space on the attacking front but failed to pick out any decisive pass. An awful game overall.
Rodri 5
Was able to turn over possession well from one end of the pitch to other. However, failed to provide the cover whenever United got a chance to counter.
David Silva 5
Was involved in a few of City’s best moves but nothing much went for him in the attacking third. United were able to close him down quickly in the attacking third.
Kevin De Bruyne 5.5
Looked sharp to begin with and created some decent chances in the first half. Faded as the game went on and cut a frustrating figure by the end.
Bernardo Silva 3
Gave away a stonewall penalty. Luke Shaw did a good job over the Portuguese international for most parts. Understandably was substituted in the second half for Mahrez.
Raheem Sterling 4
Another player who cut a frustrating figure. Wan-Bissaka did a proper job on the England star, and the former Crystal Palace man often came out triumphant in one on one duels.
Gabriel Jesus 5
People will be quick to point out that City missed Aguero, but Jesus was hardly given any decent service as most of the balls coming in the box were hopeful ones from his team-mates. Had one decent chance in the first half through a header which he missed.
Substitutes
Riyad Mahrez 6
Looked far more effective than B. Silva and troubled Shaw after coming on. De Gea pulled one good save to deny the Algerian.
Nicolas Otamendi 6
Wasn’t tested much defensively. Brought his side in the game after he scored from a corner.
Ilkay Gundogan N/A
Didn’t play enough to warrant a rating.
