Manchester United’s Champions League aspirations were wrecked following a 4-1 humiliation in the Premier League on Ultra Sunday.
Just about everything City did center around Kevin De Bruyne. As he repeatedly came down to take up the opportunity and start plays, his spirit spearheaded numerous counter-attacks. Positioned himself smartly and retained his temper to score two crucial goals, then assisted on the third to Mahrez.
Manchester City revived a six-point advantage at the top of the Premier League by beating Manchester United 4-1 at the Etihad on Sunday. Both Kevin De Bruyne and Riyad Mahrez scored twice. United’s setback widens the gap between the clubs to 22 points, placing their chances of even qualifying for the Champions League succeeding season in doubt.
City made things worse throughout a dominant second-half display, with Harry Maguire struggling more than anyone else in a United defence that was careless and open for the majority of the game. De Bruyne’s initial opening was sloppy from United’s standpoint, with Bernardo Silva being allowed to draw up and the Belgian coming in the shadows. Foden outpaced Victor Lindelöf and stretched De Gea for the 2-1 goal, before Silva’s follow-up effort crashed off two United players, letting De Bruyne score.
Riyad Mahrez netted a sensational half-volley from a De Bruyne corner to bring it 3-1 – the ball flicking in off the powerless Maguire – and there would be a late bonus for the City fans. Ilkay Gündogan, a substitute, played in Mahrez, who seemed to be offside but rocketed past David de Gea. When the VAR readings were revealed, Mahrez was found to be even.
United’s goal stemmed from a classic counterattack, that started with Aaron Wan-Bissaka and included all 4 of their striking players. Sancho, a former City winger, produced the only goal with a beautiful curving ball into the far corner.
Manchester City, notably in the second half, put up a convincing outing. In the second half, Man United failed to produce a single attempt on goal. With the triumph, City retained their lead in the table, six points clear of Liverpool, who still have a game in hand. United has dropped to fifth place in the standings, behind Arsenal
City wanted to respond to Liverpool’s victory over West Ham, as well as their home loss to Spurs and the conviction that their win at Everton was a bit underwhelming. How did they do it? Pep Guardiola must be furious that his side isn’t already free of Liverpool despite 16 victories and one draw in 18 league games. It is a measure of the chasers’ form.
