Premier League 2016-17: Manchester United 1-2 Manchester City - 5 talking points

Pep Guardiola drew first blood in a battle of wits between himself and Jose Mourinho in the Premier League, as Manchester City survived a late onslaught to secure a 2-1 victory over Manchester United on enemy territory at Old Trafford.

Goals from Kevin de Bruyne and Kelechi Iheanacho capped off a dominant opening 35 minutes for City, before a goalkeeping flaw by debutant Claudio Bravo was capitalised upon by Zlatan Ibrahimovic to reduce the deficit to just one goal. United pressed hard in the second half, but could not find the equaliser.

The result keeps Guardiola’s troops on top of the table with a 100% record after 4 games, while United dropped their first points of the season.

Here are some of the talking points from a memorable clash at Old Trafford:-

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#1 Defensive lapses cost United dear

It only required a moment of miscommunication between the usually reliant centre-back pairing of Eric Bailly and Daley Blind for Manchester City to take the advantage. After a brief spell of United pressing, left-back Aleksandar Kolarov hoofed the ball upfield.

The first mistake was made by Eric Bailly, who appeared to be completely disinterested to win the aerial duel with Kelechi Iheanacho. His partner in crime was Blind, who was too slow to react to Iheanacho’s flick-on, allowing a much sharper Kevin de Bruyne to win the ball and find himself in a one-on-one situation with David de Gea.

The Belgian calmly slotted the ball into the corner to give a dominant City the lead after 15 minutes. Blind was at fault again for City’s second goal, playing Iheanacho onside after Kevin de Bruyne’s shot ricocheted off the post, so that the 19-year old could legitimately tap it in. It was a half to forget for both centre-halves, Blind in particular.

#2 An engrossing first half, worthy of a derby

The hype leading up to the maiden Pep-Mourinho duel in the Premier League definitely lived up to its expectation, as the fans and neutrals were treated to an absolute cracker of a first half. Manchester City absolutely bossed the first half thanks to some slick passing in midfield. They deservedly went two up after 35 minutes, albeit both goals could be associated with United’s defensive frailties.

However, United were gifted a way back in the game when debutant Claudio Bravo flapped at a Wayne Rooney free-kick, only for Zlatan Ibrahimovic to smack the loose ball from hip-height into the net. It was all United till the end of the first period, with Zlatan missing two glorious opportunities to level matters.

It was an enthralling 45 minutes period and no spectator at Old Trafford could have complained of not getting their money’s worth.

#3 The mysterious sweeper-keeper, that is Claudio Bravo

The goalkeeping saga that engulfed Manchester City during the month of August culminated with Guardiola signing Claudio Bravo from Barcelona and shipping Joe Hart out on loan to Italian side Torino. Guardiola’s requirement of a ‘sweeper-keeper’- a goalkeeper who is able to use his feet to build possession from the back – to adhere to his ball-retention philosophy compelled him to make a drastic switch.

However, the Chilean custodian – on his City debut – was far from convincing with the ball in his possession on a number of occasions. Firstly, his inability to hold on to Wayne Rooney’s floating free-kick led to United halving their deficit.

The second half was a strange one for Bravo, who seemed unsure of which City defender to pass to on a few instances. His dilly-dallying on the ball continued to invite Manchester United pressure – so much that he narrowly avoided punishment for going in with studs showing on Wayne Rooney after taking a heavy touch.

His uncertainty will definitely be a target point for other managers in the league, who have the ambition of getting the better of Manchester City.

#4 Kevin de Bruyne’s sharpness in midfield makes the difference

While Bravo was adapting to life in English football, a certain Belgian playmaker seemed to have embraced the occasion of a Manchester derby more than anyone else on the pitch. Kevin de Bruyne was on top of his game at Old Trafford.

He was sharp, he was dangerous and always threatened to get in behind the United defence to create a chance. His presence of mind to read Iheanacho’s flick-on and win the ball ahead of Daley Blind was reflective of his readiness to make a mark on the game.

He could easily have scored more, but was denied by the woodwork a couple of times and didn’t manage to get enough dip in his direct free-kicks. However, he dominated the game and is a sure contender for the Man of the Match award.

#5 Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s afternoon of frustration

While United’s defending will be something Mourinho will conduct a post-mortem on, another factor which won’t go unnoticed will be Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s wastefulness in front of goal. The 34-year old – whose glittering career and splendid goal-scoring records have made him one of the world’s top strikers – was well off-target at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Despite his goal – which was possible thanks to Bravo’s error – Zlatan failed to convert numerous goal-scoring chances that fell for him. He seemed too keen to blast the ball into the back of the net without realising he had more time than he thought to take a touch and set himself up for a polished finish.

He bungled a glorious chance, moments after scoring, tamely shooting at a keeper-less goal after Bravo was found scrambling for the ball – which John Stones easily dealt with. He missed similar chances to equalise for Jose Mourinho’s side in the second half as well. It was a derby for the veteran Swede to put behind him.