Match Coverage

Five Things We Learned: Manchester United 2-1 Manchester City (Premier League)

Published:

18:55

January 14th 2023

| Last Updated:

18:55

January 14th 2023

Harry Siddall

Manchester City’s post-World Cup woes continued with a disappointing 2-1 defeat to local rivals, Manchester United.

In a game of very fine margins, a controversial refereeing decision completely turned the game on its head and handed Erik ten Hag’s side the momentum they needed.

Jack Grealish came off the bench to head City into the lead, but a quick-fire double from Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford means United now sit just one point behind Pep Guardiola’s side in the Premier League table.

Here are five things we learned from a frustrating afternoon:

1. Inconsistency

It’s best we just get this out of the way, because I think everybody not in the red of United is in total unison.

Fernandes’ goal shouldn’t stand – it’s as simple as that.

Show me a rulebook all you like, but if Rashford’s run and body positioning is not interfering with play, then we should all just pack it up and go home. That’s all I’ll say.

2. Death by a thousand passes

There’s so much to like about this team, but there still is just something missing from our play in the final third.

The XI on the field was clearly under strict instruction to retain possession and be patient in their build-up.

Riyad Mahrez was notably reluctant to take on Tyrell Malacia in multiple 1v1 situations – the same player whom Grealish ran absolutely ragged at the Etihad a few months ago.

They were fortunate to get all three points today, but we let their defence off big time.

3. De Bruyne a sole creator

Kevin De Bruyne was below par this afternoon.

His range was off and he did lose concentration on multiple occasions. He did, however, set up the goal with a delightful cross – and that’s what the best players in the world can do.

It does feel at the moment that he is are only creative spark and if he’s not at the races, City tend to create very little – hence only a 0.91 XG this afternoon.

4. Time for the leaders to pick us up

With games coming thick and fast, there’s no time to dwell – the leaders in City’s dressing room need to be vocal and pick the team up for another massive game on Thursday.

Spurs are not very good – let’s be honest – but they always turn up against City and it would be good to exercise them particular demons to get us back on track.

5. Grealish finding his feet

Let’s end on a positive.

It’s nice to actually see Grealish find some form in a blue shirt. He’s certainly become a scapegoat for sections of the fanbase, but he’s returned from the World Cup in fine form, and on another day, it could have been a goal to really kickstart his rise.

He’ll be feeling a bit deflated it wasn’t his time, but it should solidify his place in the team on Thursday.