Whenever Pep Guardiola talks about “space to let them run”, he’s normally lamenting the opposition’s transitions, but Manchester City’s ruthless exploitation of the gaps in Manchester United’s midfield was the story of this chaotic derby, and perhaps of their evolution as a team.
And, clearly, it’s not all about Erling HaalandHe handed his hat-trick matchball to Phil FodenShe also scored three points Sunday for. Both walked away with one at the end.
Guardiola said his City side have “a new weapon” in summer signing Haaland’s ability and willingness to run in behind and his arrival is surely the catalyst for this change, but the back-to-back Premier LeagueChampions have many strings to their bow, and they are now a frightening prospect when given the space to run.
How they were given it by visitors United — and how they made it count.
Foden was the second to make the most of the Etihad’s open grass, but Haaland and he were supported superbly by Kevin De BruyneAnd Jack Grealish.
City don’t get to play like this often, of course, as teams prefer to sit back and deny them these spaces.
