Advantage City

It was dubbed unmissable, the biggest derby ever and, like many others before it, the game itself was extremely underwhelming. But what we have learnt from the match, is that Manchester City are now in the driving seat to win their first Barclay's Premiership title.

The game ultimately came down to the better of the set-ups and City were clear winners. They played their typical 4-4-2 formation. Gael Clichy and Pablo Zabaleta not only protecting their centre backs, but also providing support on the counter attack and with crosses. Gareth Barry and Yaya Toure would give strong protection to the back four, preventing that gap between the defence and midfield. This allows Samir Nasri and David Silva to provide width but also support Sergio Aguero and Carlos Tevez, with Tevez being the one to hold the ball up from long passes/clearances.

As for United, they set up in the 4-5-1 formation, which will never work against a side that are a physical presence in the air. Wayne Rooney cannot hold the ball up against Vincent Kompany and Joleon Lescott in the air and the midfield is slow to support him. In a game that requires width and pace to win a game, playing both Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes from the off is not the answer. It has to be one or the other at their stage of their careers. Antonio Valencia has, without doubt, been United's best midfielder this season and provides the best support to the strikers. To leave him on the bench and play Nani who has got two goals in his last two games and Ji-Sung Park who only really provides industry, doesn't equate to what Valencia brings to the table. Chris Smalling and Phil Jones haven't ever been in this position before and without Nemanja Vidic, there is a huge whole to fill. Which Smalling cannot do, he is a better right back than a centre-back and was at fault for the City goal.

This poor set-up is left United not having a shot target in a game for the first time since 2009. City didn't overly threaten David De Gea throughout the match but always looked the more likely to score. The only goal of the game came in first half injury time when Kompany broke free from Smalling and headed home a corner. The timing was a killer, as was the sending off for Johnny Evans when the sides met at Old Trafford.

Despite being level in possession for most of the second half, United lacked their killer instinct. Suddenly simple, defence-splitting five yard passes became impossible to pull off and corners were going no further than the first defender. But City's nerves could have been made easier when Nasri was ten yards out but tried taking on too many defenders when he had already made a space to shoot, Arsenal-esque. But still United couldn't break City down and Mancini's men reclaim top spot on goal difference with just two games to play. The title will most likely be decided next weekend when City travel to Newcastle before United host Swansea on a true Super Sunday showdown.