1. Mancini picked the right teamThe Manchester City manager could have gone several ways for this derby. He could have picked Edin Dzeko to lead the line, chosen Samir Nasri instead of James Milner, and he might have plumped for Pablo Zabeleta over Micah Richards. But no. Roberto Mancini followed his instincts, which proved to be sound. Milner and Richards were superb. And as for Mario Balotelli, well, this madcap striker could not have done much more to repay the faith of his manager.
2. Sir Alex Ferguson is human
I’m talking here about his team selection, as it is unusual for theManchester United manager not to make provisions for opponents who flood central midfield. City tend to do exactly that when David Silva is drifting inside and when, in this case, Milner does the same to join Gareth Barry and Yaya Touré. As a result, Anderson and Darren Fletcher simply could not cope. Even before the sending off, they were being outmanoeuvred by City’s superior numbers.
I’m talking here about his team selection, as it is unusual for theManchester United manager not to make provisions for opponents who flood central midfield. City tend to do exactly that when David Silva is drifting inside and when, in this case, Milner does the same to join Gareth Barry and Yaya Touré. As a result, Anderson and Darren Fletcher simply could not cope. Even before the sending off, they were being outmanoeuvred by City’s superior numbers.
3. United's defence needs stability
They need Nemanja Vidic back alongside a regular partner. I know United have been hampered by injuries but Jonny Evans showed that he falls slightly short in this kind of company. He certainly should have been cuter when trying to stop Balotelli rather than fouling him. The referee had no choice but to send him off. It was a mistake that should not have been allowed to happen and probably wouldn’t have been committed by a stronger central defence.
They need Nemanja Vidic back alongside a regular partner. I know United have been hampered by injuries but Jonny Evans showed that he falls slightly short in this kind of company. He certainly should have been cuter when trying to stop Balotelli rather than fouling him. The referee had no choice but to send him off. It was a mistake that should not have been allowed to happen and probably wouldn’t have been committed by a stronger central defence.
4. Strength of the squads
City have arguably amassed a better squad than United. We should avoid overreaction, this was just one result. City must first prove they can go the distance before any shift-of-power claims receive proper attention. Nevertheless, look at the players available to City. Joe Hart, Richards, Vincent Kompany, Yaya Touré, Silva, Nasri and Sergio Agüero would all probably win a place in Ferguson’s side. Agree or not, you cannot deny that it is a valid talking point.
City have arguably amassed a better squad than United. We should avoid overreaction, this was just one result. City must first prove they can go the distance before any shift-of-power claims receive proper attention. Nevertheless, look at the players available to City. Joe Hart, Richards, Vincent Kompany, Yaya Touré, Silva, Nasri and Sergio Agüero would all probably win a place in Ferguson’s side. Agree or not, you cannot deny that it is a valid talking point.
5. City have arrived
They are genuine title contenders. We suspected as much beforehand but this really hammered home the point. No one can be in any doubt now that Mancini’s squad is big enough and good enough to push United and Chelsea all the way. Just as importantly, self belief has just soared through the roof. The tentative attitude seen in the first 15 minutes here, when the visitors didn’t believe in themselves enough, should now be consigned to history.
They are genuine title contenders. We suspected as much beforehand but this really hammered home the point. No one can be in any doubt now that Mancini’s squad is big enough and good enough to push United and Chelsea all the way. Just as importantly, self belief has just soared through the roof. The tentative attitude seen in the first 15 minutes here, when the visitors didn’t believe in themselves enough, should now be consigned to history.
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