Man City flex muscles in derby to restore six-point lead

Manchester City restored their six-point lead at the top of the Premier League as doubles from Kevin De Bruyne and Riyad Mahrez inspired the champions to a commanding 4-1 derby victory over Manchester United.

De Bruyne got City off to the perfect start five minutes into the 187th Manchester derby, slotting home his 50th Premier League goal.

Jadon Sancho, on his first Etihad Stadium appearance, provided temporary respite for United in the absence of the injured Cristiano Ronaldo with a well-taken equaliser midway through the first half, but De Bruyne's second ensured City led - deservedly - at the break.

Mahrez brilliantly volleyed in City's third from a corner to wrap up the statement victory 22 minutes from time, and amid fever-pitch celebrations, the Algerian underscored the dominance of Pep Guardiola's side with a late, VAR-awarded fourth.

City's victory sees them respond to Liverpool's title challenge and reinstate their six-point lead at the top of the Premier League, while a first defeat since January 3 - and second league defeat of Ralf Rangnick's reign - leaves United fifth, a point behind fourth-placed Arsenal having played three games more.

City's start was fast and emphatic, and United's plan was thrown out of the window inside five minutes, De Bruyne losing his marker Alex Telles and slotting past David de Gea after clinical link-up play between Jack Grealish and Bernardo Silva down the left flank.

To their credit United kept their cool, and their faith in Ralf Rangnick's instructions, to prevent a City pile-on, and almost produced an immediate response, with only Ederson's smothering save preventing Fred from drawing the visitors level.

And United hit back on 22 minutes, with Sancho silencing the City fans