Champions dismantled by CIty

Manchester City 4, Manchester United 1
MANCHESTER City boss Manuel Pellegrini claimed Manchester United were poor at the Etihad Stadium yesterday because his side didn’t let them play.

Though it was easy to think back to the 6–1 mauling City inflicted on United at Old Trafford two years ago as the Blues coasted to their victory, the comparison was invalid.

That time United were a goal down when Jonny Evans was sent off and City scored three times in a ridiculous period of injury–time.

There was nothing so bizarre yesterday: the Red Devils were picked apart — more like the 5–1 hammering inflicted by City in 1989.

And for that, Pellegrini feels, his players deserve praise: “Maybe Manchester United couldn’t play better because we played very well,” said Pellegrini. “We tried to create space and did it. We didn’t give them space to damage our goal.”

Sergio Aguero scored twice, with Yaya Toure and Samir Nasri grabbing the other goals as City romped to the biggest home win over their neighbours since 2004.

Pellegrini, making his debut as a Manchester derby manager, claimed his team had struck a big psychological blow: “You don’t expect to win 4–1 against United. But today we had a very good day. Winning a derby will give them a lot of confidence.”