Manchester City vs Manchester United - Player ratings

Joe Hart was called into action in the last 20 minutes

Manchester City

Joe Hart: 6.5/10

The England goalkeeper had a rather quiet match and wasn't troubled much by United's attack. However, for the last 20 minutes when United were on an unprecedented attacking spree, Hart was compelled to make two saves; one of Van Persie’s powerful left foot drive and the other of Di Maria's weaker right foot for which he had to outstretch himself.

Pablo Zabaleta: 6.5/10

Arguably one of the best full backs in the Premier League, the Argentine experienced a sloppy start to the match where he was overpowered by Shaw and Di Maria but improved significantly as the game progressed. He and Navas linked up with each other like a house-on-fire and gave Luke Shaw a considerable amount of headache on the right flank.

Vincent Kompany: 6.5/10

Belgian captain Kompany was a relieved man after the final whistle at the Etihad. That wasn't just because his team had grabbed all three points but also because his sloppiness and lapses in concentration didn't prove detrimental to his side. He let Rojo surpass him during a set piece right at the start of the match and fortunately for him, Rojo was adjudged offside and missed the target too. He was constantly troubled by his compatriot Marouane Fellaini in the second half and was fortunate that the former Everton man didn't convert the chances he got; some of which were glorious opportunities.

Martin Demichelis: 6/10

The Argentine was preferred in the starting eleven over Eliaquim Mangala because of his experience and better understanding with Kompany but didn't quite deliver his best performance. He earned a yellow card late in the match due to a rash tackle on compatriot Di Maria; a tackle which was made out of frustration after Sergio Agüero was taken down in the 18-yard-box, but the referee denied any wrongdoing and let the game go on.

Gael Clichy: 7/10

One man's loss is another man's gain and Gael Clichy will know this better than anybody else out there. After Alexander Kolarov suffered an injury in pre match training, Clichy was incorporated into the starting eleven by Manuel Pellegrini and he didn't let his manager down. He kept Adnan Januzaj at bay in the first half and took complete advantage of his team's extra man advantage by making a clever run down the left flank and ultimately providing the assist for Sergio Agüero's goal.

Fernando: 7/10

The Brazilian hasn't had the best if starts to his Manchester City career but if he keeps performing like he did against United, then there are plenty of positives to look forward too. He interlinked the play between the defense at attack beautifully with pin point passes, long balls and a display of robustness and technique. The former Porto midfielder assisted Yaya Toure admirably in the middle of the park and adopted a no-nonsense approach.

Yaya Toure: 8.5/10 – Man of the match

After a not-so-good start to his Premier League campaign, Yaya Toure returned to form and how. The Ivorian executed his wide array of passes to perfection, got more involved as the game progressed and showed glimpses of his old self with his trademark power surge from the middle of the pitch. Toure was at the centre of controversy just at the stroke of the half time whistle after Rojo made a shabby challenge on him for which he should've been sent off.

James Milner: 6.5/10

England midfielder Milner didn't make any eye popping contribution in the match but, as always, showed a great amount of experience and composure during the match. He showcased his usual industry and appreciable creative inputs which are always lauded by the manager and fans alike. Valencia did a good job to minimize his threat. Milner was later taken off and replaced by Samir Nasri.

Jesus Navas: 7/10

Quite evidently the busiest player for City on the pitch, Navas showcased an outstanding performance down the right flank and was a source of constant nuisance for United's defense. His pace, energy and artistry on the ball were amazing and he came close to scoring twice; once in the first half when he was sensationally denied by De Gea and in the second half when he was denied by the crossbar.

Stevan Jovetic: 6/10

Montenegrin forward Jovetic got the perfect birthday gift in the form of victory over United but he himself didn't have the best of afternoons. He was troubled initially by Januzaj and tried to unleash a powerful strike from his right foot on a number of situations but to no avail. He tried hard but couldn't make any significant contribution to his team's victory.

Sergio Aguero scored the winning goal for his side.

Sergio Agüero: 7.5/10

Agüero came into this match with all the pre match speculation focused on him and boy did he live up to all the expectations. The Argentine was at the centre of a storm when his team was denied a penalty, in the first and second half respectively but he made up for it by scoring in the second half and sealing the affair. Agüero has become a prolific goalscorer for City in the derby and it is just a matter of time before he becomes one of the best in the business.

Substitutions:

Samir Nasri: 5/10

Was brought on in the second half in place of James Milner to add more speed to the right flank and kill the game off.

Edin Dzeko: N/A

The Bosnian has looked out sort since the start of the season and was again lacklustre against United. He came on for Stevan Jovetic but didn't have any sort of impact on the game whatsoever.

Fernandinho: N/A

Perhaps a change made out of fear, Fernandinho was brought on in the 84th minute to stop the unparalleled waves of attacks being carried out by United. He replaced goalscorer Sergio Agüero and kept a lid on proceedings.