CITY produced a flawless performance in the Manchester derby, comfortably beating United 2-0 at Old Trafford on Saturday to move up to second in the Premier League table for the time being at least. Eric Bailly’s own goal gave City an early lead and Bernardo Silva’s backpost tap-in, which brought a 26-pass move to a conclusion, doubled City’s advantage just before half time. The second half was a masterclass in possession soccer as City toyed with United to see the game out comfortably and earn a vital three points. City started superbly and deservedly took the lead on eight minutes when Joao Cancelo’s dangerous cross was turned into the roof of his own net by Eric Bailly. That sparked a period of near-total control from City, with Pep Guardiola’s side dominating the ball while United struggled to put together sustained passing moves. United players crafted their first chance after 25 minutes of play when Cristiano Ronaldo’s volley was saved superbly by Ederson. But normal service soon resumed. City's lead was almost doubled moments later when sharp counter ended with Gabriel Jesus producing a powerful effort from close range, but David De Gea made an outstanding reaction stop to keep United in the game. It was a timely reminder of City’s ability to pick sides apart when space is left in behind. De Gea was again the hero when he saved instinctively to stop Victor Lindelof putting Phil Foden’s cross into his own net for what would have been a second United own goal, before the United goalkeeper turned De Bruyne’s poked effort around the post. City players were playing with a real swagger. Just before the break, City’s dominance was rewarded with a second after a wonderful sequence of passes. Again, it was Cancelo’s ball that opened United up, with his right-footed delivery to the backpost tapped home from close range by Bernardo Silva — the perfect end to a fine 26-pass move that saw City players in possession of the ball for one minute 38 seconds. It was Bernardo’s third goal at Old Trafford for City. With Jesus and Foden pinning back Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, allowing City's full-backs freedom to exploit, United made a tactical change at half-time, with Bailly making way for Jadon Sancho. But it failed to spark United into life.(SD-Agencies) | 