MANCHESTER CITY scraped past rival Manchester United at Old Trafford to go 11 points clear of their rivals after winning 2-1.
Pep Guardiola’s men remain unbeaten in 16 Premier League games, but United had their chances with Romelu Lukaku spurning a key late chance.
The Red Devils failed to cut the gap on the Citizens to five points, and look now likely to be fighting for second spot.
Wild celebrations from the City squad after the full-time whistle showed the importance of the match, knowing they already have one hand on the title.
Here’s five things we learnt from the clash at the Theatre of Dreams.
Luk has run out for Romelu
After starting his United career in blistering fashion, Romelu Lukaku simply just can’t catch a break in the league – somehow from six yards out in the 85th minute.
He hasn’t found the back of the net in the top-flight since scoring against Newcastle back on November 18, and his stats make grim reading.
Despite netting against CSKA Moscow in the Champions League recently, it’s now four straight Premier League fixtures without a goal. In fact, those strikes against the Magpies and the Russian giants were his only goals in his last 14 matches in all competitions.
He was somewhat at fault for City’s second goal, after his woeful clearance cannoned off Chris Smalling, before finding its way to Otamendi.
It could be time for Zlatan Ibrahimovic to replace him in the starting line-up.
Premier League title is Manchester City’s to lose
The Citizens show no sign of slowing down after grinding out another hard-fought win for the fourth match in a row.
City have won by a scoreline of 2-1 for the fourth consecutive time, showing they have the grit to hold out for all three points. Much has been said of the deadly attack City have at their disposal, but it’s 16 games they have now went unbeaten in the top-flight.
Guardiola’s men face Tottenham at the Etihad next week in another potential slip-up clash, but they then face winnable games against Bournemouth, Newcastle Crystal Palace and Watford.
Marcus Rashford shows why he should be starting
After being dropped to the bench for the last two games for United against Watford and Arsenal respectively, the 20-year-old showed why he has to be in the starting XI.
The England international fired his side level in first half added time with a clinical finish beyond Ederson. It was his ninth goal of the season in all competitions – despite still being deputised on the wings.
He has featured in every Premier League game under Jose Mourinho this campaign, and will be keen to keep Juan Mata and Henrikh Mkhitaryan out the side.
Nicolas Otamendi up there with the best centre-backs in the league
Prior to this season, the Argentinian international was viewed by many fans and pundits as a flop following his switch from Valencia.
But he is continuing to repay Guardiola’s faith for trusting, with City reaping the rewards of his goal-scoring exploits.
His winner against United was his fifth of the season and his second consecutive strike following his equaliser against West Ham last week.
He has completely transformed himself into a striker’s nightmare with his physical approach and his awareness of the game.
Otamendi kept Lukaku in his pocket throughout the 90 minutes, and is a fundamental part of City’s squad.
David Silva continues to show age is just a number
With the Spanish magician soon to turn 32, the playmaker consistently shines for the Citizens.
A week after netting the winner against the Hammers, Silva was back in the goals today after firing City in the lead with a finish from close range.
And he played a vital role in City’s second of the match against United, as his free-kick found its way to Otamedi who lashed the ball home.
Silva was pulling the strings in midfield for Guardiola’s side, and his performances are keeping Bernardo Silva out the side.
From The Sun
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