Take a step back and the sky is wide open? Guardiola s tactical compromise is exchanged for big victory. The right one is the best

In the early morning of September 15, a Manchester City derby was staged in the 2025/26 Premier League season. Manchester City, who had suffered two consecutive losses, won 3-0 at home to visit Manchester United, successfully stopped the decline. In this game, Haaland, who scored twice and the new player Donaluma who scored perfectly, both had impressive performances, but Manchester City coach Guardiola, who made tactical compromises and liberated the players, were the biggest contributors.

Before this game, Manchester City lost to Tottenham 0-2 and reversed by Brighton 1-2 to suffer a two-game losing streak in the league. Coach Guardiola's tactics were also questioned. If Manchester United cannot win this game, Manchester City is likely to suffer a five-game losing streak in all competitions, because the subsequent two opponents Naples and Arsenal are stronger. So in this game, except for the number one star Haaland and new player Donaluma, whether Guardiola can compromise tactically and release all the players' power is the biggest highlight. Obviously, he did it.

In this game, Manchester City lined up a 4-1-4-1 formation, with Rodri single midfielder, B-se and Doku standing in the wings, Reindes and Foden in the center support, and Haaland served as the single arrow. In addition, Husanov and O'Reilly started as full-backs. One minute of the game, Haaland shot from a small angle and shocked the tiger. Three minutes later, Seshko's long-range shot was tested Donnarumma. In the 7th minute, Baindir stopped the ball too much and was almost intercepted by Haaland. Then Duogu also intercepted the ball and caused a foul in the B seat. In the 16th minute, Rodri made a mistake in the midfield's pass and Amad Diallo shot and shot it away with a difficult shot. The 18th minute of the game was in progress, and the deadlock on the court was broken. Manchester City initiated an offense on the right, and the B-seater failed to make a breakthrough and knocked back. Rodri made a straight pass. Duku still made a cross in the face of multiple double-teams. Foden scored a header to win the first goal in the new season. Manchester City led 1-0 in the first half. In the 53rd minute of the change of sides, O'Reilly broke through the crotch to instigate the attack, Doku made a wonderful pass and assist, Haaland scored a light shot and scored another goal, and Manchester City expanded the score lead. Three minutes later, Haaland went to the meeting alone, but his shot after passing the goalkeeper was rejected by the far post, and unfortunately missed the opportunity. In the 61st minute, Manchester United returned with a color, and Mbeumo made a wonderful volley, but Donnarumma's one-hand save was also wonderful, winning applause from the fans on the scene.

In the 69th minute, the score on the field was rewritten again. At that time, Manchester City's midfielder completed a steal and the B-goods made a direct pass in time. After getting the ball, Haaland ran for a long distance and faced Baindir who was attacking easily scored the ball. Later, Reindes missed a one-on-one opportunity, but Manchester City finally won 3-0.

In this game, Manchester City's ball possession rate was only 45%, but he scored 3 goals with 13 shots and 6 shots, making his offensive efficiency remarkable. Although Manchester United has a certain advantage in possession, they only scored 2 on the ball in a direct shot, which ultimately only made Donnarumma's perfect debut. In this game, Manchester City's most impressive thing was that it gave up ineffective ball control, and the offensive speedup was very obvious. The appropriate formation recovery also gave Haaland, Doku and others more room to sprint.

Manchester City scored its first goal, and after failing to break through the B seat, Rodri made a quick hit, swam to Duku, who supported the right, with his speed and flexibility, breaking out of the siege and sending a wonderful cross, helping Foden score his first goal in the new season. For the second goal, Manchester City also tore open the opponent's defense through concise and fast passes, allowing Haaland to easily score. As for the third goal, it is Haaland's specialty. This kind of performance of long-distance running to fight against the opponent's defense line after receiving the ball in the first half was common during his previous period when he played for Dortmund. But after joining Manchester City, it is rare. After scoring in this game, Dortmund fans are obviously very familiar with Haaland's classic seat-watching and celebrating moves.

Give up ball control, speed up offense, and give frontcourt players greater freedom and offensive space. Manchester City in this game is refreshing. However, this is also directly related to the weakness of Manchester United's defense. Next, facing Napoli and Arsenal, the defensive intensity encountered by Haaland will be at least one level stronger. Only after winning these two games will Manchester City really survive.