Lift-off for victorious Pelle

MANCHESTER City hope to kick–start their season after they emerged victorious from a frantic derby clash against 10–man United.

Sergio Aguero netted the only goal in the second half of a hectic Barclays Premier League clash at the Etihad Stadium to hand City the 1–0 victory their overall superiority deserved.

After three games without a win going into the match, there was a feeling Manuel Pellegrini’s men were starting to falter.

But victory in the derby could provide the spur they needed, ahead of a crucial Champions League encounter with CSKA Moscow on Wednesday.

Manager Manuel Pellegrini said: “I think that first of all the most important thing is to win the derby and during the match I think we played very well.”

The opening was scrappy but the momentum of the game swung firmly City's way six minutes before half–time when United defender Chris Smalling was sent off for a second bookable offence.

City went on to dominate and United’s threadbare defence struggled to contain them but it was not until the 63rd minute that Aguero lashed in his 12th goal of the campaign.