Manchester City pulled off a superb 2-1 win away to Manchester United as Jose Mourinho continued his woeful record against Pep Guardiola, with the Catalan making it 8 wins to Jose’s 3 in 17 games against each other.
The Sky Blues dominated the opening 40 minutes of the game with United chasing shadows. Kevin de Bruyne opened the scoring in the 15th minute with a calm finish, while Iheanacho doubled City’s lead in the 26th minute. Zlatan Ibrahimovic pulled one back for the hosts at the end of the first half thanks to a Claudio Bravo error. However, City repelled a resurgent United in the second half to pull off a valuable win.
Here are how the managers and players reacted after the game.
Manchester United
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho:
The Portuguese tactician minced no words with his criticism of referee Mark Clattenburg, claiming that Claudio Bravo’s challenge on Wayne Rooney should have resulted in the penalty, saying “Mark made two big mistakes. Claudio Bravo is a penalty and a red card – if one of my players do that in the middle of the park - if Fellaini or Rooney do that in the middle of the park - it’s a red card and a free-kick. In the box it is more difficult to give and he didn’t want to give it.”
Mourinho also reflected on the game overall, saying “The two halves were completely different. In the first half we were below the level to play this match. You have to be completely ready in terms of the speed of your thinking and decision making. We had a few players who were not at that level – we lost easy balls and let them recover the ball. We paid for our mistakes.”
“The second half was completely different. We were a team that had the courage and honesty and dignity to chase with pride the result which I think we deserved – we deserved a goal in the second half.”
Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera
“It is disappointing for us. We are now not happy. We have lost a derby in front of our fans and it is painful. We have to be balanced in our analysis. This is the first game we have not played the best. We have crossed a lot of balls and put them under pressure. We have to take some good things. The attitude and spirit in the second half was fantastic. City will lose points as well. We are three points off top and we want to be champions.”
“We didn't start good. Every duel went for them. We have to study why that happened. But we have played well so far. This was not our best game but we created four or five chances to draw the game.”
Manchester City
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola
Pep Guardiola preferred to focus on his player’s character, noting the excellent rearguard action in the second half. He reflected on the game, saying “We are happy. I think the spectators enjoyed it because it was open until the end. First half we were better - in the second half it was difficult. We had counter attacks and we didn't finish.”
“We were not brilliant in that moment in the last part of the pitch. But we go to one of the best stadiums in the world and win the game.These guys have a heart – in the first half we won a lot of duels against a team physically stronger. In the second half, the long balls, you just pray because it's almost impossible to control that.”
Claudio Bravo had a miserable debut, being at fault for United’s goal and looking nervous throughout. Guardiola defended his keeper, saying “We played good in the first half because of Claudio. I like the keepers to attack the ball and after what happened, the second half he continued to play and that’s a good thing about his personality. He was one of the reasons we played well in the first half.”
“Yeah [if you pass the ball from the back] it can be too risky. If you lose the ball they will score. But you can control the game. Until my last day in England I will try to play with the ball as much as possible. I know it's impossible for 90 minutes but I'm sorry, I will not negotiate that.”
Manchester City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne
“It feels very good. We started the game with intensity. Both teams showed their quality. The second half was more difficult - they played powerfully and with long balls. I think we just missed the third goal in the second half. The game changed after their goal in the first half we were excellent, after the first 15 minutes in the second half we came back stronger and had to adapt to their style of play.”
“For the fans it is worth more than three points - for us we just have to maintain the same. The fans will celebrate tonight.”
Manchester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho
"It means a whole lot to me, it’s a dream come true to play in the Manchester derby and score the winning goal. My team really worked hard. Being in the right place at the tight time. I didn't think the shot would hit the post but I'm happy it came off me."
