Three observations after embarrassing Manchester derby defeat | OneFootball

Antony and Anthony Martial both scored consolation goals in the Manchester derby as Manchester United fell to a 6-3 defeat at the Etihad. The result means Manchester City remain unbeaten in the Premier League.

Erling Haaland and Phil Foden both scored hat-tricks as Manchester City continue to pile the pressure on Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table.

City held a four-goal lead at half-time after Foden opened the scoring on eight minutes before Haaland netted a quick-fire double.

It was Foden who made it 4-0 prior to the break.

United pulled one back through Antony, but Haaland completed his hat-trick minutes later, with Foden doing the same on 73 minutes.

Anthony Martial came off the bench to score two consolation goals in the last 10 minutes.

Embarrassing to concede six against your local rivals

It is inexcusable to go in at half-time 4-0 down in a derby match, and I think a few of the players that started the game today will get dropped as a result. These players are too familiar with how that feels, though, as we saw the same scoreline at half-time against Brentford earlier this season.

Ten Hag’s side kept the ball better after the break but the game was done and dusted. City knew they had three points in the bag. It was telling to see so many fans leave at half-time. To concede six goals against your rivals is embarrassing.

Lack of belief

There aren’t too many similarities to the Brentford defeat because that day we simply didn’t work hard enough. Today it stemmed from a lack of belief. Ten Hag is still learning more about this squad and I think he will be left baffled by how we started the game. United were second best in every department and the gap between the two teams was clear to see.

Anthony Martial looked sharp

The only positive I can take from the game was Anthony Martial’s return from injury. The Frenchman scored two goals and looked sharp. Ten Hag needs to ensure that he stays fit between now and the World Cup because United will benefit if he can lead the line throughout that period.