Man City championship performance - Unique 6:1
Manchester City dealt a devastating blow to the rival city and a major contender for the title - Manchester United after beating current champion 6-1 in the middle of "Old Trafford".
Mario Balotelli started the show in the "Theatre of Dreams" with two goals made in 22 th and 60 th minute.Balotelli also won the free-kick which led to a straight red card for United defender Jonny Evans before Edin Dzeko struck twice and Sergio Aguero and David Silva added to the tally.
United claimed a consolation with a fine goal from Darren Fletcher 10 minutes from time but they were ran ragged in the dying moments as City struck three times after the 88th minute.
City's stunning victory not only lifted them five points clear of United and underlined their title credentials but shattered a host of statistics.
In recording only their second win at Old Trafford since 1974, City inflicted United's first home defeat since April 2010 and ended their run of 19 consecutive home league wins.
WATCH PREMIER LEAGUE MANCHESTER UNITED 1-6 MANCHESTER CITY VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS HERE.
Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has hailed his side after a thumping 6-1 derby day victory over Manchester United.
The Italian said that the scoreline was not the most important factor on the day but the win that takes them five points clear of their Manchester rivals.
"I think that after the sending off it was easier but we were playing very well. For the first 25 minutes United played well but they didn’t have more chances," he told Sky Sports.
"It’s good but I think that it’s not important 6-1 [the scoreline], it’s important that we beat a fantastic team.
"This is normal when you play at Old Trafford because United are a strong team."
The former Inter coach also praised the performance of Mario Balotelli after the striker scored twice and made the break which forced United defender Jonny Evans into a game-changing red card foul. However, the Italian refused to be drawn on what the win could mean for City's title challenge but praised their opponents for their attacking spirit throughout.
"I am happy for him because he scored two important goals, because he played well because he was serious on the pitch," he continued.
"I’ll tell you in three or four weeks [about the title race] but I think it is important for our confidence because it isn’t easy to come here and beat United.
"I have more respect for United now because after the sending off they continued to play to try and score I think this is an incredible mentality.
"If we want to improve and to arrive at the top like them, we should improve in this mentality.
"It’s an important three points because we have one game less and we played here. I don’t think there will be many teams that come here to win."
