My thoughts
This performance reminded me of the City of last season. It was a committed and determined performance from the team and you could tell that they wanted this more than United.
I was surprised at Ferguson's selection before the match as he opted with a midfield of Ryan Giggs, Michael Carrick and Ashley Young. He once again picked the wrong team for a big match and this was where the game was won on Monday. You'd have thought that United would have wanted to extend their gap to 18 points but they were just lethargic.
Their fans will argue that the league is all wrapped up now (which it probably is) but if the tables were turned and City put in a performance like that despite being 15 points ahead - I'd be extremely disappointed.
At the end of the day, it's a derby match and I always want to see my team put in a performance for the fans. For this, I am hugely impressed by how we played. Gareth Barry showed glimpses of why he is one of the best holding midfielders in the league whilst Tevez lead the line quite superbly and never gave Ferdinand or Jones a rest.
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| The gift that just keeps giving... Phil Jones with yet another brilliant facial expression. |
I'll also give some credit to Samir Nasri as well. I have been very critical of him this season but he played very well and proved me wrong. However, I think he was taken off at the right time and Aguero coming on changed the game. He really is a special player. You can tell he loves the game and his goal was just brilliant (as was Phil Jones' face!)
The question on everyone's lips is why we haven't played like this all season and you have to agree. We are at the very least equal to United in my opinion and have thrown away stupid points.
We now head to Wembley this weekend for another crucial game and I am hoping that we produce a similar performance to the one at Old Trafford. With Chelsea travelling to Russia tomorrow night and having a number of key players injured - I really hope we can progress to yet another FA Cup final... it's good to be a City fan!!
Player ratings
HART: Wasn't really tested that much during the game. People will criticise him for his poor attempt to deal with van Persie's cross for the first goal but with a cross of that quality you have to cut him some slack.
TSBV rating: 6/10
ZABALETA: Another great performance from the Argentine warrior. He was given tonnes of space during the first half and was solid both defensively and going forward. Consistently brilliant from Zaba.
TSBV rating: 7/10
KOMPANY: Was unlucky with United's goal for the ball to bounce off his back into the goal but apart from that he had a top game.
TSBV rating: 7/10
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| Nastasic played brilliantly against van Persie MCFC Facebook |
NASTASIC: How Nastasic hasn't got much praise this season is beyond me. I would genuinely put him as a contender for team of the year. At only 20, he has proven to be one of the best defenders in the league and has been largely present in the league's best defence. Alongside Kompany, they both comfortably kept van Persie and Rooney quiet for large periods of the game.
TSBV rating: 8/10
CLICHY: Supported his team mates when going forward and also defended well. A solid performance from Clichy.
TSBV rating: 7/10
BARRY: One of his best games in a City shirt for me. He was all over the place, putting in quality tackles and providing the front line with consistent support. Did well to chase down and win the ball off Giggs in the lead up to the first goal.
TSBV rating: 9/10
YAYA TOURE: Yaya strikes fear into any opponent and once again proved why he is one of, if not the best box to box midfielders in the world. He played a bit deeper against United but still was rarely troubled.
TSBV rating: 8/10
MILNER: My MoTM for Monday night. He caused Evra problems all night thanks to his limitless energy and deserved his goal.
TSBV rating: 10/10
NASRI: As I mentioned before, I will hold my hands up and praise Nasri for his performance. He showed more desire to fight for the team and it was good to see him get stuck in. A good performance from the Frenchman
TSBV rating: 7/10
SILVA: Worrying that he was forced off through injury towards the end, but Silva proved why he's miles ahead of any United attacking midfielder in terms of ability. A great performance and hopefully he can produce a similar one on Sunday
TSBV rating: 8/10
TEVEZ: I was a bit sceptical over Mancini's team selection prior to the match but he proved me wrong. Tevez was absolutely brilliant against United, causing the defence a number of problems. It was just a shame that he never got on the score sheet.
TSBV rating: 9/10
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Substitutes
AGUERO: A great impact substitution by Mancini as Aguero proved why he's one of the best strikers in the world - his goal just oozed class.
TSBV rating: 9/10
Joleon Lescott and Javi Garcia didn't have much time to influence proceedings.
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