EPL: Hail the heroes

MAN UNITED 0

MAN CITY 3

(Edin Dzeko 1, 56, Yaya Toure 90)

1 MANUEL PELLEGRINI

The main thrust of Pellegrini's game plan was to overpower Manchester United with pace.

And he hit the nail right on the head.

United's lack of mobility has been exposed on numerous occasions this season.

Liverpool stretched them to the hilt during their recent 3-0 victory at Old Trafford.

City themselves pulled it off in this season's first Manchester Derby at the Etihad Stadium, where they emerged 4-1 winners.

Pellegrini (right) targeted United's left side. Central to the Chilean manager's plan was the deployment of the speedy Jesus Navas on the right flank, where his link-up play with David Silva was the source of United's misery in the opening stages.

City flew out of the traps and placed them under intense pressure.

United, overwhelmed by the dynamic attack, and perhaps surprised by the early show of intent, crumbled in a mere 43 seconds.

The move started with Navas playing a ball to Yaya Toure in the middle, and ended with Edin Dzeko tapping the ball into an empty net after Samir Nasri had hit the post.

United's defence simply couldn't cope.

One play during the 41st minute illustrated just how tormented United were on that flank.

Silva, Navas and Toure congregated to form a mobile triangle of one-touch football amid limited space, confusing every man in red with their quick feet and even quicker thinking.

But that first goal killed United off.

David Moyes sat back, then reacted.

But Pellegrini seized the initiative.

The Red Devils were found out. Yet again.

2 VINCENT KOMPANY

The City defence, led by Kompany, did everything right.

It helped that United struggled to sustain any sort of pressure on a backline which also featured a pair of outstanding fullbacks - Pablo Zabaleta and Gael Clichy.

But Kompany (left) stood out.

He was walking a tightrope for much of the game after being booked for a body-check on Danny Welbeck in the 13th minute.

Yet, it didn't affect his performance one bit, as he continued to keep a tight leash on Wayne Rooney and gang.

The Belgian made several good clearances and put in a couple of important blocks in his penalty box.

He was also a threat at set-pieces, and nearly set up a goal in the 52nd minute when he flicked the ball towards Fernandinho, who could only head the ball over the bar.

Intelligent, brave and composed, Kompany is just the kind of skipper and defender United need.

3 DAVID SILVA

Imagine the thoughts floating in Juan Mata's head as he watched his Spanish compatriot shine for the opponents.

Silva (left) was everything that Mata wasn't - concise, precise and decisive.

Playing off Dzeko, he was City's free spirit in the attacking third.

But he didn't just stick in the centre.

He drifted from side to side to receive the ball, then sought out the gaps that the opponents had unknowingly left.

He exploited the no-man's land between the opposition defence and midfield with relish.

The tendency to pass the ball wide was intentional, and his combination play with winger Navas was especially devastating in the opening minutes.

His ability to control the tempo of the game allowed his team to dictate the terms.

It wasn't like United didn't try to stop him.

They simply couldn't.

4 YAYA TOURE

At times, Toure looked like an unstoppable force.

His lanky frame contrasted starkly with his silky skills. And in those boots are an exquisite touch and a venomous shot.

United never found a way to stop his power and drive through the middle.

Toure (left) completed 55 out of 60 passes, or almost 92 per cent - a brilliant figure for an attacking player.

In the final third of the field, he found his teammates 26 out of 29 times. One shot was all he needed to score his goal.

For a player of such wonderful offensive ability, he also showed remarkable tactical discipline to keep his upfield forays in check.

His late goal was the icing on the cake in an excellent performance.

5 EDIN DZEKO

Who says City need Sergio Aguero?

Chosen to start up front as a lone striker, Dzeko (left) scored two goals against United to show that he is also capable of helping his side sustain their title charge.

The first goal was a fine example of his predatory instincts, being at the right place at the right time when Samir Nasri's shot ricocheted off the post.

The second demonstrated his sublime finishing - a side-footed volley that goalkeeper David de Gea could do nothing about.

Throughout the match, he led the line well, holding up play when he needed to and testing de Gea when he should.

At the end of the game, he had fired five goal attempts, more than any player on the field.

With fellow striker Alvaro Negredo struggling for form, Dzeko's role in City's run-in is looking more important than ever.

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