Once again Sergio Agüero was the man who condemned Manchester United. The elegant swish of his right boot that won this match will have far less significant consequences than its more famous counterpart against QPR last May but Manchester City will still cherish its impact and the message it sends to the team who are in the process of removing the championship trophy from their possession.
The gap is now 12 points with seven games to play and it means that wonderful moment when Agüero took Yaya Touré's pass, eluded three United players with his combination of balance and power and speed, then thumped his shot into the roof of David de Gea's net, will probably be only a consolation prize come the end of the season. Yet here was the evidence that there is still very little between these sides despite the gulf that has opened up at the top of the league. For all their elation the boisterous corner of City supporters must wonder why their team could not have exhibited this drive and togetherness more often. They had played like true champions.
Both sides gave everything but the team in blue had the greater penetration and sense of purpose. United will comfort themselves with the knowledge that 10 more points will still confirm their 20th league title. They can look ahead with confidence and circle their visit to Arsenal on 28 April as a possible date for the coronation but they will have found this game a disconcerting experience.
The matched ended 2-1 in favour of Manchester City, with goals from James Milner and Sergio Aguero for Man City while it was an own goal by Vincent Kompany for Man U
