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Erling Haaland and Phil Foden both scored hat-tricks as Manchester City embarrassed their rivals at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Manchester United’s misery was heaped on heavily in the first half with braces from Haaland and Foden leaving City heading into the break four goals clear.
The second half showed some change in fortunes for Erik ten Hag’s side as Antony clawed back a great goal for United but it wasn’t enough as they Haaland and Foden both went on to claim a hat-trick each.
Despite a late brace from substitute Anthony Martial, United succumbed to a damaging defeat. The result means City remain the only unbeaten side this season in the Premier League, with Pep Guardiola’s last loss coming back in February against Tottenham.
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Manchester City were without Rodri and Kalvin Phillips, meaning club captain Ilkay Gundogan had to fill in as number six.
Although a talking point leading up to the game’s kick off, this soon proved to be inconsequential as the German performed his newfound duties well.
The game began with complete City control with a scurry of shots on target from the Premier League champions.
The deadlock was broken soon after thanks to a brilliant team move, finished off by Foden at the near post, as the Stockport-born starlet hit home with his first touch following a pinpoint cross from Bernardo Silva.
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City nearly doubled their lead through captain Gundogan with a well-hit free kick from just outside the box that struck the post, leaving David De Gea rooted to the spot.
United looked off the pace, often misplacing passes and earlier conceding possession to Guardiola’s side. After the half hour mark, the hosts finally doubled their advantage against their lacklustre visitors.
Unsurprisingly to anyone watching, Haaland continued his hot streak of goal scoring form and headed home from a Kevin De Bruyne corner.
Just minutes after the big Norwegian added to City’s goal haul again with the team’s third of the day, De Bruyne turned provider again with a whipped-in ball to the outstretched leg of Haaland - who converted yet again.
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City did not stop there though as they extended their lead to four through Foden as Haaland turned provider and set up a fellow boyhood blue just before the interval.
Haaland went from scorer to provider as his curling ball evaded the entire United back line, making its way to Foden who powerfully struck home with ease.
City went in at half-time four to the good and this was too much for the travelling United fans, with many spotted leaving the ground before the second half.
When play resumed, the game slowed down to a lull until United scored their first goal thanks to a brilliant long-range effort from United's new signing Antony.
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Any sniff of a comeback was soon ended though as Haaland emphatically converted from substitute Sergio Gomez’s cross to secure his third treble in as many Premier League games at home.
The Norwegian wasn’t done though as he again turned provider, setting up Foden to help the England international to his own hat-trick with a strike from close range.
Anthony Martial added two late consolation goals after some lax defending in the box from Guardiola's men after four changes.
The victory maintains City’s second-placed position in the Premier League table, one point behind leaders Arsenal ahead of their league clash against Southampton next weekend.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Manchester City, Manchester United, Premier League, Erling Haaland, Phil Foden, Pep Guardiola, Anthony Martial, Antony
