Premier League 2017/18 - Is the title race over already?

10th December 2017. Come the end of May, this Battle of Manchester was supposed to have a big say in the outcome of the league. For City, this could potentially decide the title race in their favour; wrapping up the league even before Christmas arrived. For United, a win could give them a chance not only to cut City's lead at the top to 5 points but also to make a statement to the entire league that they are up and ready for this battle with Pep Guardiola's men.

This was not only the Battle of Manchester, it was also the battle between philosophies, the battle between ideologies: the Battle between Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola. Two old foes with the rejuvenated aspiration of clinching that coveted Premier League trophy. Last year was all about building the team and getting accustomed to the demands and challenges that these two giant clubs ask of their incoming bosses. This year, anything but that top spot would be a failure.

And thus it began. Pep Guardiola's team doing what a Pep Guardiola's team does best. Keeping all the possession, playing into the channels and trying to create openings n the final third. Sadly, Jose Mourinho's team was trying to emulate what a Jose Mourinho's team does best in big games, but to no avail.

Martial, Rashford, Lingard were all started to give pace on the break. They sat down, they invited all the pressure, but there was no counter-attack. Each time they were awarded the possession, the idea was always to play the long ball towards Lukaku.

Kevin De Bryune, Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sane, on the other hand, were playing for fun in a field of their own. United were desperately in need of Pogba. Without him, there was no composure in the midfield, no marauding runs forward. United kept giving possession away and City kept applying pressure.

A bad day in the office for Lukaku

United played well though, only when they were chasing the game. For City's opener, the ball fell kindly in the path of David Silva who tapped home with ease. And although Rashford pounced well on Fabian Delph's error to bring the score to parity, Lukaku played a huge part in deciding the match; albeit not at the end he wanted. His miscued clearance was tucked home by an unlikely hero in Nicolas Otamendi.

United were always playing the catch-up and City were happy to play their brand of captivating football. The late moments in the game saw a superhuman effort in goal, for once, it wasn't David De Gea, but his counterpart Ederson ensuring the party did get spoiled. A brilliant double save first from Lukaku and then from Mata was enough to clinch three huge points for City.

Ederson saving City's day

Guardiola was the ultimate winner. Not only are his Cityzens clear of their nearest rival by 11 points, but, he is also proving a point. City have now won 14 matches in a row in the Premier League, creating a record in the process: whilst playing beautiful football as style with substance is Guardiola's mantra.

For United and for Jose Mourinho, the questions are obvious. United with and without Pogba are two completely different teams.With 8 points already behind in the build-up, United needed to attack and they were at home.

What followed was a typical lacklustre performance from a Mourinho's United, which has become characteristic of them in the big games over the last couple of years. More than anything else, Manchester United now need to play the Manchester United brand of football. But will that be the case under Mourinho?

With the busy schedule of fixtures ahead during the festive season, City's depth in the squad will be tested. But their bench during the match boasted the likes of Kun Aguero, Bernardo Silva, Ilkay Gundogan and Eliaquim Mangala.

Cityzens look likely to be heading towards the top spot with a well deserved 11 point lead. United and the other big boys, on the other hand, require a Herculean effort from every individual in their ranks till the last day of the season to even be considered as a contender. Or else, the league is already over.