{"id":158509,"date":"2024-03-04T16:39:30","date_gmt":"2024-03-04T16:39:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ghanamma.com\/2024\/03\/04\/key-talking-points-as-foden-inspires-derby-day-win-for-city\/"},"modified":"2024-03-04T16:39:30","modified_gmt":"2024-03-04T16:39:30","slug":"key-talking-points-as-foden-inspires-derby-day-win-for-city","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ghanamma.com\/2024\/03\/04\/key-talking-points-as-foden-inspires-derby-day-win-for-city\/","title":{"rendered":"Key talking points as Foden inspires derby-day win for City \u2013"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Phil Foden\u2019s brace inspired Manchester City\u2019s comeback victory against local rivals Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium.<\/p>\n

Marcus Rashford had United ahead in the first half of derby day with one of the best goals of his career \u2014 but it was not enough.<\/p>\n

Foden scored twice, including one beauty, before Erling Haaland sealed the 3-1 win.<\/p>\n

We assess the key talking points.<\/p>\n

Foden\u2019s derby<\/h2>\n

In a match City were becoming increasingly frustrated in, it was Foden\u2019s decisiveness that clinched the three points.<\/p>\n

Having netted a hat-trick in this fixture last season, City\u2019s star academy product struck brilliantly early on in the second half to drag his side level.<\/p>\n

And his second \u2014 set up by a give-and-go with Julian Alvarez \u2014 was nearly as impressive in its skill.<\/p>\n

With England boss Gareth Southgate watching on, it sealed a key victory that will be remembered as one he individually made happen.<\/p>\n

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Phil Foden AGAIN! <\/p>\n

He just can\u2019t stop scoring in the Manchester derby! \ud83d\udd25 pic.twitter.com\/JwDGkrdCuZ<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 3, 2024<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Remarkable Rashford
Rashford addressed his critics in an interview this week, saying: \u201cIf you back me, good. If you doubt me, even better.\u201d<\/p>\n

But nobody will be doubting him tonight after he opened the scoring in this match with a 25-yard stunner from Bruno Fernandes\u2019 lay-off.<\/p>\n

And though it would eventually roar back into life, the superb technique shocked the Etihad into silence.<\/p>\n

The aesthetically-pleasing cannon off the bar into the back of the net only added to the goal\u2019s appeal.<\/p>\n

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Marcus Rashford that is SENSATIONAL! \ud83d\udd25\ud83e\udd2f pic.twitter.com\/FW6jYbGdhe<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 3, 2024<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Haaland horror
Equally as surprising as Rashford\u2019s wonder goal was Erling Haaland\u2019s entrant to the list of the Premier League\u2019s all-time worst misses.<\/p>\n

The Norwegian has botched a few big chances over the last few weeks but none as glaring as when Foden teed him up three yards out just before half-time with only a tap-in required.<\/p>\n

Somehow conspiring to send the ball up into the stands rather than into the net, Haaland appeared dazed after his moment of madness.<\/p>\n

But a grin was back on his face late in the second half, when he did finally score to secure the victory.<\/p>\n

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HOW has Haaland missed that? \ud83d\ude2e pic.twitter.com\/W4bvNsfwto<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 3, 2024<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Onana, that\u2019s my name
Though he was powerless to prevent City from eventually sweeping to victory, one continued positive from the game from United\u2019s point of view was the performance of Andre Onana.<\/p>\n

There has been much less noise made about the goalkeeper in recent weeks, the surest indicator he has massively improved.<\/p>\n

A series of smart saves and claimed crosses took the pressure off his defence and held City at bay for longer than they might have been.<\/p>\n

Manager Erik ten Hag will be pleased that at least one department of his side is truly settled.<\/p>\n

City keep pace
Liverpool will have hoped their dramatic late victory at Nottingham Forest on Saturday might have deflated City heading into this match.<\/p>\n

But Pep Guardiola\u2019s side do not seem to feel pressure at this stage of the season and churned out another huge three points to keep their rivals sweating.<\/p>\n

As much as Arsenal and Liverpool will consider themselves in with every chance of toppling the current champions, they will also wonder how exactly they shrug them off.<\/p>\n

It all adds up to what is guaranteed to be a thrilling race for top spot.<\/p>\n

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