Match Reflection: Manchester City 4 - 1 Manchester United

City ease to derby victory

By Alex Mason

Manuel Pellegrini must be wondering what all the fuss is about when it comes to Manchester derbies. His vibrant City side demolished United for 60 minutes, which was enough to make them 4-1 winners. The game was the first for United manager David Moyes too, who had a look of concern when Howard Webb blew the full-time whistle.

Aguero opens the scoring for City
Photo: Official MCFC Facebook

United started the game well when Danny Welbeck capitalised on Vincent Kompany’s sliced clearance. It was then City’s tempo and enthusiasm that saw Nemanja Vidić's pass go straight into the path of Jesús Navas, his tame effort went easily over the bar and he should have done better. The first yellow card of the derby was awarded to Matija Nastasić for his robust aerial challenge which saw him flatten United defender Chris Smalling.

City’s possession and will power saw them take the lead on the 15th minute when Samir Nasri cleverly played in Aleksander Kolarov to find Sergio Agüero from 15-yards. Agüero's cheeky flick saw him score his 50th Manchester City goal, and a goal worthy of winning any game.

Match Preview: Everton vs Manchester City

City aim to heap more woes on Goodison faithful

By Aaron Leggott

After last Saturday's calamitous defeat at home to Wigan, Everton go into this game knowing that their chances of European qualification are extremely slim.

With the FA Cup semi final draw pitting City against Chelsea or Manchester United and Wigan against Milwall, it means that Europa League qualification will only be rewarded in the Premier League to the side that finishes 5th.

And on recent form, it is unlikely that Everton will be sitting in that position come May. With Liverpool coming into some great form ahead of the run in and Arsenal also in the mix for the fight to Europe, you'd be a brave man to back David Moyes' side now.

So, with 11 years without a trophy... is this really good enough for Everton? The myth that they are on a penniless budget is exactly that and the Toffee's record against the big boys is nothing short of awful.