Match Analysis: Manchester City 4-1 Manchester United

Manchester City moved up to third place in the Premier League table on Sunday with an emphatic 4-1 win at home to local rivals Manchester United.

Sergio Aguero and Yaya Toure put the home side 2-0 ahead at half time before Aguero made it 3-0 minutes after the restart.

Samir Nasri then added a fourth goal on the hour mark, while Wayne Rooney managed to grab a consolation for the visitors late on.

Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look at the action on what was a triumphant day for the blue half of Manchester.

Match statistics:

Man City: Shots 18 On target 5 Possession 41% Corners 8 Fouls 8

Man Utd: Shots 14 On target 3 Possession 59% Corners 4 Fouls 12

Was the result fair?

This was as convincing a win as you are likely to see all season as Manchester City dominated their local rivals for the majority of the match. The home side did almost everything right, while the visitors struggled in nearly every area. If anything, City could have had another couple of goals to their tally in what was a superb display of defensive dynamism and attacking ruthlessness.

Man City's performance

The Blues put in an extraordinary display of power, aggression and skill, playing United off the park for huge chunks of the contest. Vincent Kompany led brilliantly at the back as City's defence never allowed their opponents any time on the ball. The passing in midfield was often a joy to watch with its incisiveness, while Sergio Aguero and Alvaro Negredo worked devastatingly well up front with their mix of speed and brute strength.

Man Utd's performance

United boss David Moyes could well be having nightmares for the next few days after what was a woeful showing from the champions. Make no mistake: this was bad. They looked unorganised in defence, while the passing was often non-existent in the middle of the park. Wayne Rooney battled hard in the final third, but he was not helped by the tepid Danny Welbeck. It could have been different if Robin van Persie had not been forced to miss the match with a groin injury, although that should not be used to hide the fact that the visitors let themselves down massively.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Yaya Toure: The Ivorian was excellent in the City midfield, fighting for every ball while simultaneously appearing to cover every blade of grass on the pitch. He rarely goes missing for his side and today was no different.

Biggest gaffe

United's defending for the second and third City goals was shockingly poor. The whole back four switched off both times and were made to pay during crucial periods of the game.

Referee performance

Howard Webb was guilty of blowing up for a few soft free kicks, but he did well to control what could have been an explosive encounter.

What next?

Man City: The Blues host Wigan Athletic in round three of the Capital One Cup on Tuesday.

Man Utd: Just the small issue of a Capital One Cup third-round tie at home to Liverpool on Wednesday.