Manchester United won the derby in true United style! To be frank I was very upset when the scores were 2-2 but thanks to Robin van Persie’s free kick (nicely assisted by Samir Nasri!) United won it 3-2 to go six points clear at the top.

Here are four points on United’s performance at the Etihad:

1) Attacking Intent: United were pretty effective in the final third of the pitch. They scored with virtually their first chance of the match!

Ashley Young did well to wriggle free of hi marker and pass to Wayne Rooney who showed good composure in slotting it past a hapless Joe Hart who had barely touched the ball till then. The goal gave United a lot of confidence and they went on to score another ten minutes later to go 2-0 up.

They were really unlucky to first see RvP`s shot crash off the post and then Young`s goal ruled out for (an incorrect) offside call. But RvP`s brilliant free kick underlined United’s attacking calibre and showed why they’re top scorers with 40 goals in 16 matches. Manchester City is next with 30.

2) Good Defensive Showing: United’s defending today showed marked improvement from the 4-3 win at Reading. Rio Ferdinand, Jonny Evans and Rafael were good but I thought Patrice Evra was disappointing yet again.

He left the left flank open time and again and a lot of City’s attacks came from his end. He was good as usual in attack but should have done much better defensively.

David De Gea had a very good game in my opinion. His punches, saves and command of his area were all much better than what we have seen this season and he was absolutely fantastic today. He should start now for the foreseeable future.

3) Never Backing Down: At 2-2, City looked good and were pouring forward in search of a winner, a winner which no doubt would have deflated at least my confidence, for some time. It would’ve been terribly harsh on us. I frankly feared that.

But, Danny Welbeck did well to hold the ball and pass to Rafael who was unnecessarily fouled. Step up RvP. His free kick was in Hart’s range but Nasri’s lazy flick of the boot took it beyond Hart and sent the United fans, staff and players into raptures. United just didn’t give up and the win is a testament to the spirit of the club.

4) Rooney’s Back To His Best: Rooney was phenomenal today. He was the man of the match by a mile. At the heart of everything United did, he scored two well taken goals to get to 150 Premier League goals in his career.

A hat-trick would have been ideal but he’ll take a win over a hat-trick any day. His and Young’s return to top form coupled with RvP’s predatory skills will be a massive boost to the team’s goal scoring abilities. He should look to keep this run of goals going. At his best, Rooney is simply unplayable. City can sure attest to that!

Overall a simply brilliant priceless win for us, which takes us 6 points clear of City. The title-race is by no means over but after yesterday United are now firmly in the front-seat to reclaim the league.

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By Yashasvee Prasad @yash647