Three Takeaways as City lose the Manchester Derby

Manchester City were soundly beaten for the third time in the Derby this season, this time 2-0 at Old Trafford.

Manchester City were simply not good enough as United controlled the vast majority of the match in a 2-0 Manchester Derby defeat. Although they remain 12 points clear of the Red Devils and well on track to finish above them for the 7th consecutive season, United’s Champions League hopes have been given a big boost, while Liverpool are now just two wins away from their inevitable title lift.

1. Ederson not at the races

One of the worst performances in a City shirt for the Brazilian goalkeeper. Although the free kick for Anthony Martial’s opener came courtesy of a display of simulation from Bruno Fernandes, he failed to keep out a very saveable effort at his near post. From there, he did make some saves, but nearly allowed Martial to score again as he took a dismal touch on his own goal line before a wayward throw in the 96th minute allowed Scott McTominay to slot home into an empty net from long range. Ederson is one of the world’s best keepers, but he must improve if he is to add ‘Champions League winner’ to his résumé.

2. Phil Foden spurns the big moment

The stage was set for Phil Foden, a Stockport native and lifelong City fan, to put in a huge display in the Derby in Kevin de Bruyne’s absence and announce himself on the world stage after a Man of the Match performance in the Carabao Cup Final against Aston Villa. He was largely on the periphery of the game, but he was far from alone. Raheem Sterling remains without a goal to his name against United, and other than a marginally offside goal, talisman Sergio Agüero had very few chances. As the heir apparent to club captain David Silva, Foden will have massive shoes to fill if he is truly to ascend to a regular starting role next season.

3. City desperately need Kevin de Bruyne

The Belgian was not fit enough to be risked in what essentially is a dead rubber (as every remaining league game will be for City), but this game is further evidence of just how dependent this team is on their star man. Without him, they were thoroughly dominated and created very little across 90 minutes against their most hated rivals. If City have any hope in the Champions League this season, it will surely ride on KDB.

Three Takeaways as City lose the Manchester Derby

By J.C. Gonzalez | Mar 8, 2020

Manchester City were soundly beaten for the third time in the Derby this season, this time 2-0 at Old Trafford.

1. Ederson not at the races

2. Phil Foden spurns the big moment

More from Game Review

3. City desperately need Kevin de Bruyne