United Sizzle, City Fizzle

What a way to ring in the start of a new season than the display of football we all witnessed at Wembley today. Big spending Manchester City was looking to make a statement against rivals and title-rich Manchester United.  Both teams played down the importance of the Community Shield, calling it just another pre-season friendly. However, judging by the class on the pitch and the reactions from each dugout and the stands, we can see that it meant a lot more than that.

City looks like credible title challengers this season and watching them dismantle Inter Milan in the Dublin Super Cup last week proved it. I know its just pre-season and players are still trying to regain fitness but this squad is looking and more determined than ever before. United also came into the game with some swagger. The Red Devils were fresh off an impressive win against Barcelona during their American summer tour. More of a mental victory but great for confidence going into this opening derby.

As I expected United maintained control of the ball and had most of the possession, but City didn't back down and were able to contain the pressure. Nani and Ashley Young stood out for me - both were impressive in stretching the defence by going wide and running at their marker. Honourable mentions go out to Danny Welbeck and Wayne Rooney as well. I felt like a United goal was looming. They were the aggressors and weren't really being pressured defensively. David Silva was the only bright spot for City at the start, as his pacey runs created space, but the final ball was lacking in the opening stages for both clubs.

No one could have predicted City would be two up going into the break. It all started with a terrific cross by Silva from a free kick which found Joleon Lescott's head perfectly. David de Gea could take some criticism on that one, as he seemingly was caught in two minds as to whether he should come out or stay on his line. He did a mixture of both, putting United surprisingly behind.

It got worse for de Gea right before the break, being beaten from some distance by a thunderous shot by Edin Dzeko. You can blame the defence for backing off Dzeko and giving him time and room to shoot, but de Gea was caught back-peddling and had the time and space to see the shot perfectly.  He was just fooled by the pace and swerve of the ball. From that distance it was a bad goal to allow and will only raise more question marks for the young Spaniard.

Sir Alex Ferguson decided to make three changes after the break bringing in youngsters Tom Cleverley, Phil Jones and Jonny Evans for Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand and Michael Carrick. On paper these substitutions might look weak considering the score line, however it proved to be exactly what United needed to get back into the game. Right from the start United were all over City, and it was Chris Smalling who got United on the board  after connecting on a free kick by Young. Dzeko takes most of the blame for not following Smalling run and leaving Joe Hart helpless to make the stop. 

But it was the equalizer that showed United's class over City and how far the blue side of Manchester still have to go to match their rivals. A combination of Cleverley, Rooney and Nani split the City defence apart to tie the game at two. A stunning display of football with Nani getting the goal with an impressive chip finish over Hart from a tough angle.

Despite being tied and the game winding down, I was surprised to see Sergio Aguero sitting on the bench. Roberto Mancini declared him fit to play but decided to keep the Argentinian as a spectator. He could have given City the spark they needed to change the dynamic of the game. I don't think they made it into United's final third at all in the second half - it was that one-sided.

With penalties on the horizon, and deep into injury time a defensive blunder cost City the game. Gael Clichy and Vincent Kompany seemingly misread a long clearance gifting Nani a clear breakaway from almost the centre circle. Nani calmly went around Hart and broke Manchester City hearts with the winner. It was a remarkable comeback by United.

All the talk about being a meaningless pre-season friendly went out the window for Ferguson in the second half, as he was jumping around like a school boy on the sidelines after every chance. This game was more than that for both clubs. For City it was a chance to show their intent and strength for the upcoming season. For United, it was a chance to prove they still are top dogs despite the size of their neighbours bank account.

Sure its only one game but the mental edge goes to United.   To be able to come back from two goals down in any game is a great accomplishment. Even better when it's in a derby for silverware. City will need to shake off the loss and regroup quickly. They still will be looked upon as contenders for the Premier League crown, however United showed how easily they can be broken down and fold under pressure. Money can buy you world class players but it takes more than that to form a winning mentality on the pitch. Champions are made through time and hard work. 

The gap might have narrowed but City still have to prove their status on the pitch if they want to be considered to be on the same level as their neighbours. The red side of Manchester have won the first battle against their City rivals but the long gruelling Premier League season is just beginning.  It's important to never underestimate the importance of the psychological edge. Football is a mental game - something that Ferguson has proven to be a master at.