Enlarge image
Goalscorer Kevin De Bruyne (left) and Phil Foden
Photo: IMAGO/Javier Garcia/Shutterstock / IMAGO/Shutterstock
A gala performance by playmaker Kevin De Bruyne has given Manchester City a win over city rivals Manchester United.
The Belgian put City in the lead twice in the 4-1 (2-1) win (5th minute/28th), ex-Dortmunder Jadon Sancho had equalized in the meantime.
De Bruyne set up Riyad Mahrez's next City goal with a corner kick (68'), but De Bruyne didn't have his feet in Mahrez's second goal shortly before the end - Pep Guardiola had already replaced him (90'+1) .
United coach Ralf Rangnick had to do without his two top strikers: superstar Cristiano Ronaldo was suffering from a hip flexor injury, substitute Edinson Cavani had been out for the past few weeks with groin problems.
So Rangnick quickly put Bruno Fernandes up front – but the Portuguese acted more like a preferred midfielder.
However, the Red Devils' defense was initially more demanding than the Red Devils' offensive: The leaders of the table showed their usual enthusiasm, De Bruyne executed a first combination from close range (5th).
In a fast-paced, rousing early phase, Fred had the quick answer for United after a pass from Fernandes, but City goalkeeper Ederson blocked the chance before Fred could finish calmly (8').
Sancho makes the game exciting, but then only City storms
With a counterattack and a shot from 16 meters into the far corner, Sancho brought United back into play on the scoreboard (23').
But City got stronger and stronger on the pitch: Phil Foden's header hit the crossbar (25').
After winning the ball, City then followed up with a triple chance: Foden failed at David de Gea, Bernardo Silva's follow-up shot blocked by Harry Maguire.
De Bruyne scored the rebound for his second goal of the day (28').
After falling behind again, United's resistance was finally broken.
De Gea fended off Mahrez's first chance just before the break (45').
In the second half, City's right winger still managed a brace (68'/90'+1).
Mahrez's first goal was particularly memorable, as the Algerian converted a 16-yard corner brought in by De Bruyne.
Otherwise, all chances belonged to City, the most spectacular was missed by João Cancelo with a side kick.
For United, the defeat exacerbates the table situation: The gap to FC Arsenal, who are fourth and currently occupying the last place in the Champions League, is only one point.
However, the Gunners have three more games to play than United, giving them three extra chances to pick up points.
At the top of the table, City are still six points clear of title rivals Liverpool, but have also played a game more.
cev