Manchester City restored their six-point lead at the top of the Premier League as doubles from Kevin De Bruyne and Riyad Mahrez inspired the champions to a commanding 4-1 derby victory over Manchester United.
De Bruyne got City off to the perfect start five minutes into the 187th Manchester derby, slotting home his 50th Premier League goal. Jadon Sancho, on his first Etihad Stadium appearance, provided temporary respite for United with a well-taken equaliser midway through the first half, but De Bruyne’s second ensured City led – deservedly – at the break.
Mahrez brilliantly volleyed in City’s third from a corner to wrap up the statement victory 22 minutes from time, and amid the fever-pitch celebrations among the home faithful, the Algerian underscored the champions’ dominance with a late, VAR-awarded fourth.
City’s victory sees them respond to Liverpool’s title challenge and reinstate their six-point lead at the top of the Premier League, while a first defeat since January 3 leaves United in fifth, a point behind fourth-placed Arsenal, who have three games in hand.
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What next?
Man City host Sporting Lisbon in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Wednesday at 8pm, while Man Utd host Tottenham on Saturday Night Football at 5.30pm – live on Sky Sports Premier League.