Manchester duel ... although it is difficult to call it a duel ... the match between Manchester United and Manchester City ended for the supporters of intrigue in the Premier League the worst possible outcome - the victory of the "townspeople". And it's not to say that the team of Josep Guardiola demonstrated some extraordinary football - no, she gave out her most usual match. Another thing is that this is completely enough to cope with the United.

City created not so many moments with the game. But the whole match did not leave the feeling that "citizens" are able to add at any time. Yes, Manchester United this time did not park the bus, but instead Jose Mourinho put only a couple of Soviet bicycles - remember at least how easily he shook the whole defense Gabriel Jesus.

Is it worth praising the game of Manchester United on the defensive, considering how the goals of the "townspeople" were hammered? After all, you can not say that MJ with all his strength raced into the attack and ran into smashing counter-hits. No - the "red devils" at the standards, in moments when the maximum concentration is needed, allowed to shoot their goalkeeper. If you were at least three times David De Gea, but with strikes from four meters for saves you will need incredible luck. The Spaniard correctly waved his hands at the impact of David Silva, but the ball four meters to the gate flies much faster than the human hand manages to make the right move.

Much more defeat of fans Manchester United can depress the toothless game in the attack. Undoubtedly, the absence of Paul Pogba influenced United's game - this season is the real leader of United. But can such a big club write off failures for the absence of one player, no matter how cool he is?.

It is worth mentioning also Romelu Lukaku. So great is the Belgian started, so badly and continues. One goal in the Premier League in two and a half months is not at all the numbers that the striker Manchester United needs to have. Yes, Romel sometimes gives productive programs, but bought it for another. In order to almost from the goalkeeper's line forwarded the ball into the goal, and not to Ederson. Is it time for Jose Mourinho in educational purposes to send the forward to the reserve - straight to Henry Mkhitaryan, who is punished because of bad form?.

After the game, Jose Mourinho talked about refereeing. Indeed, the second yellow card for Ander Herrera turned out to be extremely controversial - contact was still. Probably, Michael Oliver decided that the Spaniard too much wants to earn a penalty. However, this is not so important, it's not to say that it changed the game too much, which went to the well-deserved victory of Man City.

No matter how regrettable it is to admit, there is no more intrigue in the championship race - after only 16 rounds of the Premier League. Of course, the City will still lose points - can not the same "townspeople" constantly pull out victories in the end of matches, but after all, competitors will not win the 22 remaining matches. Even the championship of Leicester a couple of years ago was much more likely than the fact that Man City will now miss the advantage.

"We proved that you can play in such football in England. We were told that it is only possible in Spain, but the City has demonstrated that you can play football here, "said Josep Guardiola after the match. The Spaniard made conclusions after the failure of last season (and multimillion-dollar transfers - the same as Manchester United) and still built his team in England. Can Jose Mourinho respond the same?.

Confrontation in Manchester confirmed what was suspected for a long time, but were afraid to recognize. The balance of power has changed. Manchester is now blue.

Eugene Music, Football. ua.