Manchester United 0-3 Manchester City: Five Talking Points

They might have the best away record in the League, but at home, Manchester United were once humiliated, as City eased to a 3-0 victory without breaking a sweat. A brace from Edin Dzeko and a stoppage-time goal from Yaya Toure were enough to send City into second place and on their way towards the title. Here are the five major talking points from the game.

#1 Old Trafford had turned into a theatre of nightmare for Moyes

For over two decades, Old Trafford was an unbreachable fortress. Under Sir Alex Ferguson, defeat at home, was nothing more than an aberration, one that was lost amidst the litany of victories and goals. But, for David Moyes it is nothing of that sort. The Red Devils have already lost six home games this season and it is not just the result, but the performances that are more depressing for Moyes.

Under his predecessor, anytime United went behind at home, it was only a matter of time before the cavalry was called in, to rescue all three points. But under Moyes, that siege hasn’t come and the winning mentality is slowly fading away. Teams no longer fear coming to Old Trafford as they know that this side can be got at. Although they have the best away record, at home, United have looked a pale imitation of their usual selves and that is certainly a worry for Moyes and co.

#2 Dzeko is Citys derby hero once again

The Bosnian might be the third choice striker at City, but on Tuesday made a case for a place in the starting XI more often. With Aguero out injured and Negredo on the bench, Dzeko started only his 15th League game of the season, but his brace meant that he moved into double digits in the League and broke the 20 goal mark overall. It was Dzeko’s fifth goal in his sixth Manchester derby as he continued his good form against the Red Devils.

If it weren’t for David De Gea, the Bosnian would have had a hat-trick, making him the first City player in over four decades, to score a derby hat-trick. Although he didn’t get his hat-trick, he was taken off with 12 minutes to go with a standing ovation from the City fans who acknowledged his efforts.

#3 City gradually exert their dominance

When Edin Dzeko scored the second-fastest Manchester derby goal after just 44 seconds, there was an impending sense of doom surrounding Old Trafford. Having been humiliated by Liverpool in their previous home game, the Red Devils looked as if they were there for the taking.

Although City created a couple of good chances for David Silva and the goal scorer Dzeko, neither were able to take it and went into the break with the match on a knife edge. But as soon as the Bosnian striker scored his second, 10 minutes into the second half, there was an air of resignation around Old Trafford. Yaya Toure scored another right at the end, to hand United back-to-back 3-0 home defeats and lift City up to second in the table, three points behind Chelsea with two games in hand.

#4 United lacked penetration in attack

Although they suffered an early setback, the home side managed to keep their shape and not be blown away early on. At times in the first half, United looked menacing on the break and looked like it was only a matter of time before they got a goal. But, unfortunately for Moyes, that time never came. And the longer the game went on, the more frustrated the players got, especially the attackers. Even with Kagawa, Rooney and Mata on the pitch, United weren’t unable to penetrate the City defense and create too many clear cut chances. In fact, Mata and Rooney, both gave the ball away far too often towards the end and it looked as though it would be another game where United’s attackers looked dejected, disappointed and devastated.

#5 Unwanted records tumble at Old Trafford

This season has seen plenty of unwanted records accumulated by Manchester United, under David Moyes and against City at home, a few more were added to that list. City’s win meant that they won three straight games at Old Trafford for the first time in 42 years and condemned the home side to their 10th loss of the current campaign – their worst record in the Premier League.

It also marked their sixth home defeat, which is now more than they lost in their previous three seasons put together. Dzeko’s two goals made him the fourth City player after Sergio Aguero, Yaya Toure and Alvaro Negredo to score 20 goals this season. On current evidence, the season can’t get over soon enough, for Moyes.