What a dazzling display of attacking football played by Manchester City. It was beautiful to watch. Negredo, Aguero and Navas ran the Manchester United defence ragged.
The crosses and passes City played were on target and the United defence had no answer. In fact United in the first half, had problems clearing the ball forget attacking City.
I got the feeling that United were not coordinated at the back, coupled with some very ordinary defending which does not become of a reigning Premier League Champion. It was quite sad to watch.
Without Van Persie, the Man U attack lacked bite. Yes Rooney was playing but Welbeck and Valencia, could not lend adequate support.
City went into the lead in the first half with a Sergio Aguero goal from a cross. It was the execution of the goal that was impressive. The ball was floated to Aguero above the waistline and slightly behind Aguero. Controlling the ball and driving it home from that height and slightly behind him, required considerable skill in my opinion.
The second goal followed soon after. A corner kick was floated in and a Man City player headed it towards goal and Torre who was hovering near the goal line, gladly accepted the free ball and tapped the ball home.
It was 2-0 at half time.
Almost as soon as the second half started, Aguero scored from a cross. The third goal was followed by the fourth from Nasri who latched on to a cross and hammered the ball past a hapless De Gea.
We were stunned that Man U gave away another 2 goals in such a short time after the half!! What did Moyes tell his players at half time? What was the message? Did this United team have the strength of character to come back? There was a lot of doubt created in our mind.
Man City was running riot and it was conceivable that they would easily put another couple past the United Goalkeeper. It could become embarrassing for United.
However United entered the game and started having a little more possession of the ball. And finally Rooney scored a brilliant goal from a free kick, The ball floated over the human barrier and buried itself in the top right hand corner of the net. The Man City keeper Hart had absolutely no chance to save the free kick.
The final result was Manchester City 4 Manchester United 1.
It was an afternoon to remember and relish for the City fans and an afternoon to forget for the United supporters.
But what is clear is that Manchester United is not a formidable side as it was last year. Is this because of the absence of Van Persie? Or is this because of the absence of Ferguson? Or both? I don't know.
There are many questions which need answers.
The Spanish footballing influence in the Barclays Premier League is positive from the spectators' point of view and enjoyment.
