161st Manchester Derby (Lessons Learnt)

The Manchester Derby's first instalment has finally come and gone, the result was beyond a surprise as Manchester City made a huge statement of intent by completely destroying Manchester United; 6-1. This defeat, United's worst at home since 1955 and Sir Alex's worst at home since being in charge since 1986. 

After watching a magnificent City performance, a number of things come to mind and I will best address them;

Johnny Evans is not United (not anywhere near world) Class

 A lot of attention is being given to the sending off of Johnny Evans as the chief reason for United's humiliation, let’s take his 47mins or so on the pitch into contest; a sloppy pass when caught in no man's land in central midfield led to the first goal coupled with a poor attempt at a block as Super Mario passed the ball to the back of the net. Fresh from the dressing room at half time, all plaudits to Silva for the pass, but come on Johnny the ball is there to be played, you make a school boy error, leave the ball and all of a sudden start a romance with Mario Balotelli by being all over him. I know a number of United fans whose hearts skip a couple of beats when they see Johnny Evans on the team sheet. To think United sold Gerald Pique because they had big hopes for Evans, seems like one of Fergie's biggest mistakes, just take a look at Pique now at Barca, it says it all; Johnny Evans is not anywhere near the kind of defender that should put on the Red strip of United in the first team maybe in the reserves. 

David Silva, PFA Player of the year

It may just be October, but can the award be given already? David Silva, absolutely world class; his movement, passing, use of space and vision is really, really unmatched by anyone in the premier league. What's even more amazing is the way he goes about it in an unassuming manner like he's not doing anything spectacular. If any team wants to get the better of City, Silva is the man to put in check.

Super Mario- 'Why Always Me?'

In previews before the game, a lot was said about the impact Mario Balotelli may have on the game; he was superb for City and showed why he is in such good form. The first goal was absolutely fantastic and the T- Shirt said it all.

United's new approach leaves huge gaps

Manchester United, this season have decided to play with a lot of pace especially from the wide areas, this somewhat shapes United in an open 4-2-4 formation, they may have gotten away with it against certain teams but City truly punished United with their numbers in Midfield. For instance, Sir Alex may have a rethink in playing Nani in the big games, take for example the first goal, James Milner takes the throw to Yaya Toure, Toure to Silva; within a twinkle of an eye James Milner moves into space passing by Nani who fails to pick up his run, hence isolating Smalling and the rest is history; same goes for the other two city goals by Balotelli and Aguero. The Full Backs clearly need help as the central midfield is clearly lost and confused (more on that later), so Nani and Young need to track back. After United went a man down, Micah Richards had the freedom of the right flank as Ashley Young was nowhere near him, more so Evra obviously needs some time off, he's completely off the pace; now the sale of O'Shea seems like a mistake as there's little cover in that position with Fabio injured.

United's Slow and Sloppy Central Midfield

Whilst the 4-4-2 formation may not be dead after all, but it begs the question why Sir Alex has all of a sudden abandoned his 4-3-3/4-5-1 (although he tried it at Anfield) as he seems content to approach games with a 4-4-2/4-4-1-1 with Rooney dropping as the spare man in midfield. The truth is the two members of the central midfield (in this new look 4-4-2) have to put in a hard shift especially when outnumbered, but the same cannot be said for United's midfield pairing particularly Anderson. Anderson was interestingly sluggish, out of pace, annoyingly one footed and rash in his decision making. His failure to pick up the run of Silva into the box for the second goal and the eventual allowance for him to make a pass to Milner just seems elementary; at some point during the second half there was a time Aguero just strolled past him, Anderson just strolled alongside him. Fletcher was ok, his goal gets him some level of exoneration, but a lot depends on the wingers’ involvement in the defensive side of the game. The build up to the sending off illustrates the sloppiness of the United Midfield, United were set up in two banks of fours, City had five players behind the ball and just two advanced against United's second bank of four, good use of the ball, players swift movement the difference and Balotelli is one on one with Evans.

Would Rooney's Mind be back at early last season?

At the start of last season, Wayne Rooney was rumoured to be willing to leave United as he felt the squad was not good enough. In a game where he was the only one to have covered himself in any kind of glory, he may be having a rethink now.

What does the future holds?

Manchester City's victory is definitely a huge statement of intent, they'd take some stopping right now, but it’s a long way yet, a marathon not a sprint, a five point lead in October can be over turned anytime; with games against Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal still to come, it’s going to be a really interesting season.

For United on the other hand, a serious appraisal/post-mortem of  today's collapse needs to be done and fast too; I believe it is safe to say that Rio Ferdinand's days as a sure started may be numbered as Smalling and Vidic (as they displayed for most of last season) may just be the way forward. United need to sort out their midfield problems and fast too as well; Anderson is too sluggish and sloppy, maybe the return to full training of Tom Cleverly may be the answer.

It’s still a long way to go yet and United have come back from similar situations and still ended up winning the league; 5-0 loss to Newcastle, 5-0 loss to Chelsea and 4-1 loss to Liverpool some seasons ago are a number of examples to show United can still get the job done in the long run.

P.S. 

Levante are top of La Liga, who would have ever thought that would happen

161st Manchester Derby (Questions that'll need answers)

The Manchester giants go head to head this Sunday in the 161st Manchester Derby, in my short time on earth I do not think there has been any game this hugely anticipated; not only by fans of both teams, but by the entire football public the world over. Manchester City have always been in the shadows of their neighbours; Manchester United until the inflow of Arab money has changed the fortunes of the East-land club, now City can compete at par with United both domestically and on the continent. 

City's trip to Old Trafford would be their first since the retiring of the iconic clock banner at the Stretford end, expect some chanting in that regard; however, at the end of the derby a number of questions may or may not have been answered by both teams; I seek to highlight the questions that need answers before and after the derby.

Will the Manchester Derby be the preeminent fixture of the English Football Calendar?

Manchester United V Liverpool has always been the preeminent fixture in the Football calendar in England, the trophy laden history of both teams has set them apart from the rest of the country. City on the other hand have always been in the shadow of United from time past, with the monumental investment in players by the east land  club it may just be a matter of time for them to get and stay at the pinnacle of the English game. Matches between both teams in the last couple of seasons have been highly charged and held viewers spell bound compared to the last couple of Liverpool V United games especially last week's instalment; remember the 4-3 in extended stoppage time, late winner in Carling Cup Semi final, Scholes late winner at the Etihad and Rooney's winning over head kick.

The tie takes added significance in the fact that both teams are currently in the top two on the league table with Manchester City two points clear of United. The last time both teams were top of the table in this order was in 1968; City won the league and United won the old European cup (Champions League), if that means anything at the end of the season we'll find out. For shear passion, enthusiasm and some late drama, the Manchester derby may just be edging ahead of the North west derby.

Will Mario Balotelli ever attain his full potential?

Mario Balotelli, gifted, enigmatic and erratic, however he is Manchester City's in form striker with 4 goals in 3 games. The whole Tevez debacle has worked in his favour, but with Mario Ballotelli you never know what to expect, one moment brilliant, the next absolutely insane. The truth is this derby is made for him, but would he be in the right frame of mind especially after the fireworks debacle; would he ever actualize the potential that the world has always known he possesses or would he wither away like many that have come before he that had such a special gift.

Would a goal by an ex United player for City cost United the League eventually?

When the fixture list is released, if you ask Carlos Tevez what game he looks forward to the most, he'll tell you it’s the derby versus United, but then the world knows Carlitos won't figure in this derby for obvious reasons. This game may be rather early in the season to decide the destination of the title at season's end but then we may be tempted to rewind to 1974 when the great Dennis Law scored the goal that’s famed to have condemned United to relegation. This may just be left to my imagination, but just imagine a certain Owen Hargreaves scoring a title deciding goal against United at the Etihad, it would have the same effect has Dennis Law but maybe even worse. Hargreaves would be a surprise inclusion for this first derby, but then stranger things have happened.

Is there anything like a championship six pointer?

Over time we have gotten used to the idea of a relegation six pointers towards the end of various seasons, however we may need to get used to the notion of championship six pointers. No league championship is won in October, it is marathon and not a sprint; but with the start that the Manchester teams have had especially Manchester City, a victory at Old Trafford; their second in 37years would not only put them 5 points ahead of United but may confide United to the third position by the end of day. Victory for United can then not be overemphasized principally because United have won their matches against their rivals at home and also seek their 20th win at Old Trafford in a row (a Club Record). United would not for any reason want to have ground to catch up with on its rivals even though its early days yet.

Is two Decades of dominance about to be threaten or extinguished

Manchester City have spent close to £500MM pounds on players, gone through 3managers since the revolution was started by Shinuwata and later modified by the Petrol dollars from Adu Dhabi, truth is this scheme/project was always aimed at ensuring City are able to someday knock United off their lofty position as the dominant team over the last 20 years in England by all parameters. Is that ambition about to be achieved, well we'll never know; Chelsea, Arsenal, Blackburn have all tried in time past but United have always found a way to rediscover themselves, however; victory at Old Trafford may just be the catalyst needed to drive them to the title come May 2012.

Will City ever step up in the big games?

Previews of the game has mainly been centered on how Roberto Mancini would approach the game as it has been his nature to be somewhat negative and defensive when playing his major rivals. However, I strongly believe the current City are better equipped now to approach the game with an attack based mentality with Silva, Aguero and Dzeko/ Balotelli up front in a 4-3-3; this is because the shear movement of Aguero and Silva would be quite crucial up front and a midfield base of De Jong, Yaya Toure and Barry(however this midfield three still has caution written all over it);provides enough protection if United decide to apply a counter attacking game plan with Young and Nani; he however needs to find room for Nasri for his trickery . An opportunity to go 5 points clear on your closest rivals may not present itself again during the course of the season, so grab the chance with both hands Roberto.

Would both teams have too much respect for each other?

Matches of this nature, with all the hype and publicity end up been an anti climax, would both teams go into the game with too much respect for each other and just go through the motions and settle for a draw. It’s happened before, but we hope not as both teams have the squads to provide entertainment of the highest quality.

Is City ready to be Champions?

Is Manchester City ready to be champions? If you scan through the entire squad, it’s not a squad of champions, asides Kompany and Tevez (the less that is said about him the better) no one has the experience of winning a league anywhere(correct me if I am wrong), although Silva is a world cup winner and Aguero has a Europa League medal. This lack of championship winning experience may just be the drive that sees City through the finish line, but I firmly believe City probably still need one more season and a better team spirit.

Would the young guns galvanize United?

The last time both teams met was at the Community Shield, United had gone two goals down before half time and all of a sudden Sir Alex introduces his young guns at half time, all of a sudden we had a different game on our hands. United recorded a 3-2 victory due to the performances of Smalling, Jones and Cleverly; would Sir Alex have any such aces off his sleeve this time?

Was that Rooney Bicycle Kick a Fluke?

I guess we'll have to wait and see if he tries it again, whatever the outcome, then we would know.