Team of the Week:

Marshall (Cardiff)

Sagna (Arsenal) Kompany (Man City) Baines (Everton)

Amalfitano (West Brom) Ozil (Arsenal) Toure (Man City) Townsend (Spurs)

Nasri (Man City)

Aguero (Man City) Remy (Newcastle)

Man City 4 Man Utd 1:

So Man Utd were embarrassed on Sunday at the Etihad Stadium as they went down to City 4-1. Not only is the score line bad but the performance was pretty dreadful. All over the place defensively and not being able to keep the ball and mount any pressure in the final third – City wanted it more. City put in a fine display full of energy, desire and confidence. Looking uninterested and casual is something I’ve criticised of City already this season but this (and rightly so) they didn’t hold back and I can’t say the same about United. It’s a fantastic feeling to win a derby and City fans will be over the blue moon but they will also know – as pointed out by Captain Kompany – that it’s just one game, and one game doesn’t make a season.

United’s poor distribution from defence is a constant theme so far this season and it proved a failure in this game as City’s high pressure paid off leading to United giving the ball away in dangerous areas. Playing without a recognised right-back is another issue for United as they seem unbalanced having centre-back such as Jones and Smalling covering for the injured Rafael. Three of City’s four goals came from mistakes made on that right side with Valencia failing to cover and Smalling being dragged centrally. Fellaini also looked very average and I think Moyes made a mistake starting him in this game and maybe even signing him in the first place. He may turn it around but he just doesn’t look a United player.

You can’t take anything away from City though; they highlighted United’s weaknesses and made them pay for it. Rooney was the only bright spark for United and scored a fantastic free-kick but it was too little too late. City looked hungry and dangerous every time they had the ball with power, skill and creativity – their best performance so far. United have the chance to bounce back against Liverpool in the Carling Cup during the week while City will want to use to take themselves on a run.

Hero of the Week:

Aguero is the hero this week as he scored two goals in City’s big win but was also the top performer. Every time he got the ball he created something, he can score from anywhere and even has the vision to pick out a deadly pass. His finish for the first goal was a great but of improvisation and his second was a determined and no nonsense – helped by United’s woeful defending. He put a mass amount of pressure on United off the ball as well chasing down players on the ball which resulted in United’s biggest downfall. As a striker he’s got it all and if he stays injury free he may well be the league’s top scorer, he’s without doubt City’s most potent attacking weapon.

Nipple of the Week:

As if you didn’t already know. Di Canio is the undisputed nipple of the week, of the first 2 months of the season, what a tit. He was deservedly sacked on Monday after another dreadful display in which Sunderland were comfortably taken care of by West Brom. It’s come to fruition now that players went to the Sunderland board on Sunday to complain about the Italian’s violent criticism of the team. It was obvious not a single player liked him and same with the fans. What were the board thinking hiring someone like him? He’s dysfunctional, over-passionate, and hot-headed – they sacked Martin O’Neill to get this idiot in! Sunderland have got a big appointment ahead because they can’t afford another poor judgement. They need to bring someone in with experience, who can bring stability, and can get his team enjoying their football – basically the opposite of Di Canio. I hope this is the last time we see clubs taking a gamble on these sorts of managers who are just big names with no pedigree or proven quality, it’s an insult to managers like Hughton, Clarke, and Coyle who have had to put in the hard yards and have actually proven themselves. Be smart this time Sunderland don’t appoint a nipple.