Key talking points as Foden inspires derby-day win for City

Phil Foden's brace inspired Manchester City's comeback victory against local rivals Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium.

Marcus Rashford had United ahead in the first half of derby day with one of the best goals of his career — but it was not enough.

Foden scored twice, including one beauty, before Erling Haaland sealed the 3-1 win.

We assess the key talking points.

Foden's derby

In a match City were becoming increasingly frustrated in, it was Foden's decisiveness that clinched the three points.

Having netted a hat-trick in this fixture last season, City's star academy product struck brilliantly early on in the second half to drag his side level.

And his second — set up by a give-and-go with Julian Alvarez — was nearly as impressive in its skill.

With England boss Gareth Southgate watching on, it sealed a key victory that will be remembered as one he individually made happen.

Remarkable Rashford

Rashford addressed his critics in an interview this week, saying: "If you back me, good. If you doubt me, even better."

But nobody will be doubting him tonight after he opened the scoring in this match with a 25-yard stunner from Bruno Fernandes' lay-off.

And though it would eventually roar back into life, the superb technique shocked the Etihad into silence.

The aesthetically-pleasing cannon off the bar into the back of the net only added to the goal's appeal.

Haaland horror

Equally as surprising as Rashford's wonder goal was Erling Haaland's entrant to the list of the Premier League's all-time worst misses.

The Norwegian has botched a few big chances over the last few weeks but none as glaring as when Foden teed him up three yards out just before half-time with only a tap-in required.

Somehow conspiring to send the ball up into the stands rather than into the net, Haaland appeared dazed after his moment of madness.

But a grin was back on his face late in the second half, when he did finally score to secure the victory.

Onana, that's my name

Though he was powerless to prevent City from eventually sweeping to victory, one continued positive from the game from United's point of view was the performance of Andre Onana.

There has been much less noise made about the goalkeeper in recent weeks, the surest indicator he has massively improved.

A series of smart saves and claimed crosses took the pressure off his defence and held City at bay for longer than they might have been.

Manager Erik ten Hag will be pleased that at least one department of his side is truly settled.

City keep pace

Liverpool will have hoped their dramatic late victory at Nottingham Forest on Saturday might have deflated City heading into this match.

But Pep Guardiola's side do not seem to feel pressure at this stage of the season and churned out another huge three points to keep their rivals sweating.

As much as Arsenal and Liverpool will consider themselves in with every chance of toppling the current champions, they will also wonder how exactly they shrug them off.

It all adds up to what is guaranteed to be a thrilling race for top spot.