Spot on

Other than one or two individual errors (which you can forgive in the intensity of a derby… as long as they don’t result in a goal!) I thought our first half was faultless, exactly the energy I wanted to see against a resurgent United side. It was perfect.

For long spells they couldn’t even get a kick, and when they did, we were all over them. For the first time since Sane Aguero Sterling, we had a front three who were all on form, showing a glimpse of what could hopefully be. That’s probably the most important outcome of the match, Grealish has his critics, and although he didn’t get a goal or assist, he was integral yesterday. The kind of performance we are all yearning to see on a regular basis.

I was a little worried to see Rodri out, but with no Casemiro either, faith was restored. Our central midfield was far superior to them. An advantage we have over any side in the league, actually. And further back Akanji continues to impress, he recovered so well on more than one occasion.

In the end the penalty looked soft and the score line flattered them, but for those who watched the game the gulf currently between us was plain to see, and I’m so so happy we were able to show that on the pitch yesterday in such style.

Few little defensive injuries to think about now, but Gomez showed he should probably be starting our next game with Cancelo on the right. Really hope we can get some consistency with our back four for a little while now. But all in all, other than a draw in the north London derby, couldn’t ask for a better weekend really!

Top work City 💪