Premier League 2017/18: Three things Manchester City did wrong against Manchester United

This was not just another Manchester Derby. This was a tussle between a side that wanted to shake off a setback and reassert its dominance over English football, and a team that has been desperate to live up to its gigantic legacy, this season.

They locked horns in a thrilling contest that will be written in gold in the history of the Premier League.

Manchester City, in their attempt to clinch the title against their fierce rivals, Manchester United, were cruising, halfway through the encounter. Their attack was blazing, their team looked as strong as ever, and their opponents had put up an abysmal display in the 45 minutes. Vincent Kompany and IIkay Gundogan claimed fabulous goals to take their team to a dominant position at 2-0 within the first half an hour of the game.

It looked as if the hosts would run away with the match, and with the title, against Jose Mourinho’s team. However, what followed was United’s second comeback of the season after being down by two goals to nil. A terrific brace from Paul Pogba early in the second half, followed by a redemptory winner by Chris Smalling turned the tables in favour of the Red Devils.

Let us dissect the three mistakes from the hosts that paved the pathway for the unprecedented comeback from United:

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#1 Complacency at two-goal lead

If there is one thing that characterizes this Manchester City side under Pep Guardiola, it is their refusal to take the pedal off the gas even after going one, two or even three goals up. However, the significance of the day seemed to affect the players, as they seemed content with their 2-0 lead after the first half.

And that, exactly, is what ended up costing them the match.

They swung away from the ceaseless attack that has worked wonders for them through the season, and instead resorted to a meek and half-baked defense of their dominant position. However, the Red Devils came out swinging in the second half and took the winds out of City’s sails in a memorable 96-second span, wherein Pogba scored his incredible brace.

The Frenchman, as well as Alexis Sanchez, were gifted space in vital areas of the pitch which made it easier for Mourinho’s men to cancel the two-goal deficit with their local rivals.

Complacency and not sticking to their usual vibrant self is what led to the downfall of the hosts.

#2 A slate of missed chances

A night full of regrets for Raheem Sterling

Raheem Sterling has been a revelation this season. He has made some incredible runs, scored remarkable goals, and has impressed one and all with his substantially matured approach towards the game.

However, he has also been susceptible to switching off from time to time.

The Englishman had the opportunity to put the game to bed not once or twice, but three times, in the first half alone. Had he buried those chances, he might’ve been remembered as a hero who won his side the Premier League, against the enemy, Manchester United.

Instead, the day will be remembered and regretted by him. He could’ve taken the scoreline to 3-0 through David Silva’s glorious through-ball in the 33rd minute, by latching onto another chance created by the Spaniard in the 36th minute, or by making Sane’s pass count, five minutes later.

However, neither of those chances were converted into a goal. Instead, they will now serve as three painful reminders of what could’ve been for the Men in Blue.

#3 Refusal to act quickly

Aguero had time to replicate his heroics from 2012

Keeping in mind the home-leg of the Champions League quarterfinal against Liverpool later this week, Guardiola’s decision to keep Kevin de Bruyne, Sergio Aguero, and Gabriel Jesus on the bench against United was understandable.

However, what was not understandable was his unwillingness to throw them into the mix as soon as things started to turn bleak in the second half. All three players came onto the pitch after Chris Smalling had volleyed the Men in Red to take the lead. Such decision making is not what you would expect from a manager as proactive as Guardiola.

The City defense could not tighten things up after the first goal of the night. In fact, they seemed to unravel further with every attack the visitors made on their post. The weakness that they harbour at the back, which has been on display at times this season, cost them the goals, the match, and the chance to clinch the title against their arch rivals.