Manchester City extended their lead at the top of the Premier League table with a stunning 6-3 victory over Manchester United in the first derby of the season. Phil Foden and Erling Haaland scored hat-tricks for the hosts, who dominated the game from start to finish. United scored two late goals through Anthony Martial, but it was too little, too late for Erik ten Hag’s side, who suffered their first defeat under the Dutch manager.
City take early lead with Haaland’s record-breaking hat-trick
The game started with a bang, as City took the lead in the first minute, when Haaland latched onto a long ball from Ruben Dias and lobbed it over the advancing David de Gea. The Norwegian striker doubled his tally in the 15th minute, when he headed in a cross from Riyad Mahrez. United were shell-shocked, and could not cope with City’s relentless pressure and movement. Haaland completed his hat-trick in the 34th minute, when he pounced on a loose ball in the box and smashed it into the roof of the net. It was his third consecutive hat-trick in home league games, a feat never achieved before in the Premier League era.
Foden joins the party with his own treble
United tried to regroup in the second half, and brought on Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford for some fresh impetus. However, City were not done yet, and added a fourth goal in the 51st minute, when Foden curled in a superb shot from the edge of the area. The young midfielder, who grew up as a City fan, was ecstatic, and celebrated by kissing the badge on his shirt. He scored his second goal in the 63rd minute, when he ran onto a through ball from Kevin De Bruyne and slotted it past De Gea. Foden completed his hat-trick in the 76th minute, when he tapped in a cross from Joao Cancelo. It was his first ever hat-trick for City, and the first time two players scored hat-tricks in the same Premier League game.
United salvage some pride with Martial’s brace
United did not give up, and managed to score two consolation goals in the final minutes. Martial, who had been quiet for most of the game, scored his first goal in the 83rd minute, when he headed in a cross from Luke Shaw. He added his second goal in the 89th minute, when he curled in a free kick from 25 yards. The French forward, who has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford, showed some glimpses of his quality, but it was not enough to prevent a humiliating defeat for United.
City close in on title, United fall behind in race for top four
The result means that City are now 11 points clear of second-placed Arsenal, who have a game in hand. City have won 12 of their 13 league games this season, scoring 42 goals and conceding only nine. They are on course to break their own records for points, goals, and wins in a single season. They also have a chance to win the treble, as they are still in the FA Cup and the Champions League.
United, on the other hand, are now fifth in the table, four points behind fourth-placed Liverpool, who have a game in hand. United have won seven, drawn three, and lost three of their 13 league games this season, scoring 25 goals and conceding 18. They have shown some improvement under Ten Hag, who took over from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in September, but they still lack consistency and quality. They are also out of the FA Cup and the Europa League, and face a tough challenge to qualify for next season’s Champions League.