Manchester City ran out comfortable 3-0 victors against Manchester United on Sunday afternoon, as Erling Haaland grabbed another brace at the Etihad.
Both sides paid a fitting tribute after the death of boxing icon and City supporter Ricky Hatton, with a minutes applause respected and "There's only one Ricky Hatton" ringing around the ground.
On the pitch, it was a familiar story: Haaland taking the headlines. But it was Phil Foden who began the scoring for the Cityzens with a tidy header after some fantastic work from Jeremy Doku.
The Norwegian then lifted the ball over United goalkeeper Altay Bayındir after more brilliant work from Foden and Doku. The 25-year-old came back for one more, finishing the game off after a composed finish into the bottom corner, benefiting from a United defensive mishap.
Despite early promise, the Red Devil's defence descended into chaos, not helped by boss Ruben Amorim's decision to make early alterations to the back line.
With that being said, here are three things we learnt throughout the match.
Erling Haaland is the man
Manchester City ran out comfortable 3-0 victors against Manchester United on Sunday afternoon, as Erling Haaland grabbed another brace at the Etihad
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Yet again, Haaland showed he is the man after he scored his seventh and eighth goals in the Manchester derby. Astonishingly, the Norwegian has already equalled the tally of Wayne Rooney.
Haaland was back to his brilliant, ruthless best on the day, along with Doku and Foden; the trio were formidable.
His first was a brilliant move by the aforementioned triad, with Doku sliding the striker through, who coolly chipped the diving Bayindir in the United net.
Erling Haaland scored his seventh and eighth goals in Manchester derbies
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The second was a classic Haaland goal. He found himself cantering through to the United penalty area with defenders nowhere to be seen, finishing into the bottom corner.
Sunday’s game reminded everybody that City are no push-overs. Their consistency may have waned over the last year, but they remain a dangerous, sometimes terrifying, opponent. Their forward line was back at its absolute best on Sunday and put United to the sword.
Some Manchester United encouragement among a mess
Manchester United showed early promise, but ultimately were swept aside by Manchester City
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Yet another heavy loss on the record of Ruben Amorim can never be celebrated, particularly to their biggest rivals, but there are some small positives for his side today.
Benjamin Sesko made his first Premier League start for the club and produced some encouraging runs, while the midfield pairing of Manuel Ugarte and Bruno Fernandes did not get totally overrun - something that has been a criticism of the Red Devils this year.
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Ruben Amorim saw his side fall to yet another defeat
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Patrick Dorgu has been a solid outlet on the left flank, while the defensive trio of Mathias de Ligt, Luke Shaw and Lenny Yoro have now started all four Premier League games together, signifying some stability in a back line that has been bereft of any consistency over the last year.
This defensive consistency waned, though, as Amorim altered his team midway through the second half. What followed was a calamity at the back for Haaland’s second, and almost gifting City two or three more goals with poor defending. The tactical changes made his team worse.
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Their struggles to create chances or score goals also remain, and it is a growing concern. As a footballing side, there’s improvement from last year. But the lack of ruthlessness going forward will hurt them this season.
The first half in particular was not a bad performance from the Red Devils, but for all the ball they did have, they struggled to threaten City at all. Bryan Mbeumo volleyed an effort that was equally expertly tipped wide by the debuting Gianluigi Donnarumma.
In contrast, City took their chances clinically, and following Haaland’s goal just eight minutes after the restart, it was already game over.
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Phil Foden: Back with vengeance
Phil Foden put the hosts ahead with his first goal of the season
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Foden marked his first Man City start of the campaign with a derby goal, a cute headed finish after excellent work from Jeremy Doku.
But it wasn’t just his finish that impressed from City’s No47.
He looked sharp and close to being back to his best. A lot of City’s good work came through him and Doku, and there is no doubt the 25-year-old has just reminded everyone what he is about.
And it was the link-up play with his Belgian team-mate, who was also fantastic on the day, that really caught the eye for City fans.
Since winning the PFA Player of the Year in 2024, Foden has seen his form fall off a cliff and has been fighting for a spot in Guardiola’s side. Today’s performance showed he could be back to being a crucial player for the Cityzens.