Last updated on September 17, 2025
Join our WhatsApp community and be part of the conversation!
The Norwegian made no mistake, calmly lifting the ball beyond Bayindir to double City’s advantage.
Image credit: Manchester City
Manchester City swept aside their rivals Manchester United with a clinical 3–0 victory at the Etihad Stadium.
This resounding victory ends their mini-slump and reminds the Premier League of their power.
Phil Foden’s early header set City on their way before Erling Haaland delivered the killer blows in the second half with two trademark finishes.
It was a dominant display that lifted City back into the conversation at the top, while leaving United searching for answers.
💥 Love the Premier League? Stay Ahead of the Game – Join the Ultimate EPL Fan Newsletter!
Table of Contents
A Derby That Meant More
Derbies are never just about points. They’re about pride, bragging rights, and momentum.
City came into this match after back-to-back league defeats — a rare wobble under Pep Guardiola.
United, meanwhile, were also under pressure, with questions swirling around Rubén Amorim’s side after an inconsistent start.
And then there was the emotional backdrop.
Before kick-off, tributes were paid to former boxing world champion and lifelong City supporter Ricky Hatton, who passed away earlier in the week.
The atmosphere at the Etihad was charged, and City’s players responded with a performance full of energy and intent.
How the Match Unfolded
Foden Opens the Scoring
City struck first in the 18th minute.
Jeremy Doku, lively on the left wing, created danger with his pace and persistence.
After his initial cross was blocked, he whipped in another, this time perfectly measured.
Phil Foden rose to meet it, steering a header past Altay Bayindir.
For Foden, it was a special moment — his first Premier League start of the season and a goal that underlined why Guardiola trusts him on the biggest stage.
Haaland Takes Centre Stage
The second half was all about Erling Haaland.
In the 53rd minute, Doku again found space and slipped a clever pass into Haaland’s path.
The Norwegian made no mistake, calmly lifting the ball beyond Bayindir to double City’s advantage.
Fifteen minutes later, Haaland struck again.
Under pressure, Harry Maguire mis-hit a pass straight into Bernardo Silva’s path.
The Portuguese midfielder released Haaland, who raced clear and drilled the ball past the goalkeeper.
It was ruthless. It was classic Haaland. And it killed the game off.
Almost a Hat-Trick
Haaland nearly capped the day with a hat-trick.
He rounded Bayindir late on but, with the goal gaping, his effort clipped the post.
The near-miss hardly mattered. By then, the derby was done and dusted.
City’s Defence Stands Firm
While the headlines will rightly belong to Haaland and Foden, City’s defensive work was just as important.
Gianluigi Donnarumma, making his Premier League debut, looked calm and assured between the sticks.
He made several smart saves, including a sharp stop from Bryan Mbeumo’s volley, to keep United at bay.
United had moments of possession, particularly in the first half, but their lack of sharpness in the final third meant City were rarely under real threat.
What the Numbers Say
- 50 goals in 50 home games: Haaland’s brace means he has scored 50 times in his first 50 home Premier League appearances — a milestone only Alan Shearer has reached quicker.
- Foden’s first: Foden opened his account for the season in his first league start, staking his claim for more minutes.
- League positions: City climbed to eighth place with the win, while United slipped to 14th, raising concerns about their trajectory under Amorim.
What It Means Going Forward
For Manchester City, this was a statement.
After losing their previous two league matches, questions were asked.
Could they maintain the hunger that has defined them in recent seasons? The answer, emphatically, was yes.
With Haaland firing, Foden stepping up, and Doku adding unpredictability, City looked every bit like the team capable of challenging again.
For Manchester United, it was a sobering afternoon.
Individual mistakes, shaky defending, and blunt attacking play cost them.
The talent is there, but the consistency is not.
Amorim will need to find solutions quickly if United are to avoid drifting further down the table.
The Final Word
Derbies are often unpredictable, full of twists and nerves. But this one was clear-cut.
City were sharper, stronger, and more ruthless.
Haaland once again proved he is a striker who thrives on the big stage, while Foden reminded everyone of his value.
The result wasn’t just three points — it was a performance that restored belief inside the Etihad.
