Manchester City beat United to take a gigantic lead in the title race. Here’s what we learned from Premier League matchweek 16.
Three defensive errors led to three goals in the Manchester derby at Old Trafford on Sunday. Unfortunately for the Stretford End fans, two of the three errors were committed by United. Liverpool pay for their failure to create more chances, Tottenham dominate at Wembley, Arsenal stumble at Southampton and West Ham continue their climb up the table after beating Chelsea at London Stadium. Here are three things we learned from Premier League matchweek 16.
It is Manchester City’s title to lose
The long windy road to the title took a decisive turn following City’s win at Old Trafford. On a weekend when all their other main opponents stumbled, City beat their closest rivals United to go 11 points clear at the top. It would require a collapse of catastrophic proportions to see City giving up this lead.
Games involving Jose Mourinho’s teams aren’t exactly known for their free-flowing rhythm, despite what we saw last week at the Emirates, when United seemingly adopted a less cagey style. This Manchester derby didn’t exactly follow the same story.
From a cosmic justice perspective, the goals scored by City on Sunday were probably the goals that Arsenal should have bagged last week. Evidently, the dam set up in front of the United goal will eventually spring a leak. David de Gea couldn’t provide any miracles this time, and United’s defensive hiccups along with some fortuitous bounces for the visitors led to both of City’s goals.
It wasn’t the prettiest of wins but it felt deserved and in accord with the run of play. City were the team with the initiative, the team unafraid to commit men forward and play positive soccer. They have equalled Arsenal’s record of 14 consecutive wins and don’t look like they can be derailed.
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