(Image via Michael Regan/Getty Images)
After five defeats in seven games, a reaction was absolutely imperative for Manuel Pellegrini's side against their local rivals. Within minutes Jesus Navas found himself one on one with David De Gea but could only fire a week effort against his compatriot's shins. City's forward line was ticking again, exposing holes in Van Gaal's back line. United were rattled and Phil Jones's face was already beginning to resemble Edvard Munch's famous painting. City had reacted, but it lasted 82 minutes too short.
Louis Van Gaal has breathed life into a United side that looked positively clueless just four months ago. Last season's flops, Marouane Fellaini, Ashley Young and Juan Mata, are now fundamental cogs in a midfield that possesses a superb blend of aggression, composure and technique that bulldozed its way through City's soft centre on Sunday. Once Ander Hererra and Michael Carrick got hold of the ball, Van Gaal's side were able to amble past the lifeless Yaya Touré and into the path of City's quivering back four. Within just five minutes, United were level and their dominance began.
(Ashley Young and Juan Mata celebrate - image via Michael Regan/Getty Images)
The 4-2 demolition at Old Trafford was symbolic of Manchester City's woeful 2014/2015 campaign. Players who were blamed for failure last term outplayed those who were voted for Player of the Season awards and the electric football that Manuel Pellegrini had his team playing one year ago was substituted by disinterest. Pablo Zabaleta, the league's outstanding right-back from last term, was left eating grass by Ashley Young; Vincent Kompany was hooked at half time for recklessness and Yaya Touré, who orchestrated a 3-0 victory at Old Trafford 13 months ago, took a nap for 90 minutes. Not even Sergio Agüero, who scored his 99th and 100th goals for the Blues, could have been said to have performed well.
Goals from Marouane Fellaini, Juan Mata and Chris Smalling sent the home side into a deserved 4-1 lead as City's 61-year-old boss slumped helplessly in his seat. And it could have been more. Joe Hart, City's top performer this season given the obscene lack of protection he has been given by his defence, made two impressive saves from a Wayne Rooney free kick and Michael Carrick's close-range follow up to prevent United from attaining the ultimate 6-1 revenge they craved before kick-off. Making their match predictions in the build up to the fixture, a 6-1 scoreline may have been suggested, but not fully endorsed, by a few reds. It wouldn't have been the most ludicrous forecast.
(Yaya Touré and Vincent Kompany have declined worryingly this season - image via Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Agüero's bittersweet consolation in 89th minute was his 100th goal for City, but ultimately, it counted for nothing. His side were dismantled by a hungry United team who now sit four points ahead of their city rivals in the league table. Any derby defeat leaves a sour taste in the mouth, but the lack of effort shown by City in a fixture that means more to the fans than any other was particularly depressing.
Manchester City now face a genuine fight for Champions League football next term and are in need of a major shake up this summer. Manuel Pellegrini was somewhat restricted by Financial Fair Play regulations in his business in last season's window, but he still managed to waste £50m on two players that have contributed absolutely nothing to a poor campaign. The club are adamant that the Chilean will stay at the Etihad Stadium next season, but surely six defeats in eight games changes that.
