CITY RETURN TO TOP AS THEY PUT THREE PAST UNITED

Manchester City have returned to the top of the Premier League table after winning 3-1 against Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium.

Goals from David Silva, Sergio Aguero and Ilkay Gundogan cancelled out Anthony Martial's penalty to make it 2-1.

Manchester City have now leapfrogged Liverpool, who won earlier, with the 2-1 win over their Manchester neighbours, United.

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HOW IT HAPPENED -

Manchester City took an early lead in the derby, as Raheem Sterling's dangerous cross was hit back across goal by Bernardo Silva, to his namesake, David, who smashed City ahead!

United would look to try to produce something similar to last season, where they came from two down at the Etihad to win 3-2.

Sterling's pressure on Ander Herrera forced an error from the Spanish midfielder, but the winger couldn't capitalise on his opponent's lazy play.

In the second-half, City's tempo moved up a gear or so, and it was evident to see. Sergio Aguero, who was rather quiet in the first-half, played a one-two with Riyad Mahrez before smashing the ball into the roof of the net.

Questions could be asked about David de Gea's contribution in this goal - or lack of; the 'keeper has set such standards, that you'd expect him to save the shot.

Source: Reuters

Sterling found himself in an excellent position, found by Fernandinho, but the winger took far too long and didn't want to shoot on his weaker left foot, and it was eventually mopped up by United.

Romelu Lukaku, who was brought on by Jose Mourinho just moments before, was brought down by Ederson in the box and United had a penalty.

Anthony Martial had no problems in taking the gift, and the Frenchman sent Ederson the wrong way and it was 2-1.

United were on top, but Jose Mourinho's men couldn't quite threaten City the way he would have wanted them to.

City began to grow back into the game, trying to maintain possession as they looked to see the game out, with United becoming desperate.

A cross from Bernardo Silva late on, found an unmarked Ilkay Gundogan, who touched the ball down well before composing himself to put the game beyond any reasonable doubt.

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THE MANAGERS' REACTION -

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was very pleased with his team's display against their rivals, and believes they deserved the victory.

"We deserved the victory, we played better last season than this season, especially in the first half," Guardiola explained.

"The first half we played a little bit with fear. But we made a good performance in a top game against a top, top team, we cannot forget what they have done in the past few weeks. I am happy for the result."

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho was content with the way his side played, but insisted "mistakes" were too frequent against a team like City.

"I think it is not a bad performance at all," Mourinho claimed. "It was a performance with mistakes and we paid for it. All three goals are our mistakes. Against a team like City, if you make mistakes you will get punished."