Manchester City recorded a comprehensive derby day win on Sunday afternoon, but Vincent Kompany has advised his team-mates to remain calm.
The Blues surrendered their title to neighbours United last season, and now under the guidance of Manuel Pellegrini, they are determined to wrestle it back. Last term they lost the meeting between the two sides at the Etihad Stadium to a late Robin van Persie free-kick, yet this time round the match was over as a contest on 50 minutes.
That was the minute in which Samir Nasri steered home goal number four, following an earlier brace by Sergio Aguero and a tap-in from Yaya Toure. And although Wayne Rooney pulled one back on 87 minutes, by that time everyone in the stadium and the millions watching at home knew the points were well and truly heading to City.
One of the many star performers on the day for the home side was skipper Kompany, who will now be hoping to have overcome the injury problems which have forced him to miss 15 Premier League matches since the start of last season. Yet speaking after the match, the Belgian international urged his team-mates and indeed the fans to remain calm.
“I think you make a statement over the whole season,” he told Sky Sports. “It’s too early to say if it’s a defining game. But it would be silly to give away those very precious three points. We need to win the next games, and then we’ll enjoy what we’ve done today. As I said, when we won 6-1 at Old Trafford, I said we need to stay humble. It’s only three points, but it gives us all the confidence and allows the fans to celebrate for a few days.”
City have now won three of their opening five Premier League fixtures, as Pellegrini’s summer recruits continue to settle into the side. Jesus Navas, Alvaro Negredo and Fernandinho all impressed against United, the latter of whom looks set to form a hugely imposing midfield barrier alongside Toure, who was at his very best on Sunday.
The Chilean coach has his first taste of an English cup competition on Tuesday night, when City will have the chance to avenge last season’s FA Cup final defeat when Wigan Athletic make the short trip to the Etihad. And then on Saturday afternoon, the Premier League resumes with an away match at Aston Villa, who beat Norwich City at the weekend.
