3 things we learned from an enthralling Manchester derby

Pep Guardiola has got one over Jose Mourinho once again.

First-half goals from Kevin De Bruyne and Kelechi Iheanacho were enough to take all three points for Manchester City on Saturday, eking a 2-1 win in a result that could be telling in this season's final standings.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic excellently capitalised on some limp swatting from debutant Claudio Bravo before the break, but it turned out to be a mere consolation despite an improved performance from Manchester United in the second stanza.

Here are three things we learned in an encapsulating and hard-fought Manchester derby:

Bravo's bashfulness overshadows Sane's impact

It all started so well for the Chilean.

Bravo, controversially drafted in by Guardiola to replace Joe Hart, quickly justified his reputation as a ball-playing shot-stopper, neatly sweeping behind John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi, and delivering accurate sliding passes to the deep-lying midfielders.

Much of City's work began with its new No. 1, including the goal which, via direct football from Bravo, Aleksandar Kolarov, and Kelechi Iheanacho, saw De Bruyne ease the ball past David De Gea on 15 minutes.

But then the 33-year-old 'keeper's modest height was laid bare against a predominantly taller United. In the 42nd minute, Wayne Rooney - playing in his much-criticised withdrawn role - lofted a free-kick into the mixer, and the delivery showcased scrambled communication between John Stones and a flapping Bravo. Ibrahimovic punished indecision and weak wrists by volleying home.

Few players will be placed under the microscope as much as Bravo in 2016-17. England, perceived by many of its supporters to have had a fine history of goalkeeping talent, has had its Hart shamefully shipped to Torino, and other managers will now try to expose what appears to be a lack of confidence to pluck possession in the air.

More positives can be taken from fellow debutant Leroy Sane's introduction from the bench, with the young German's enthusiasm helping block the supply line from Luke Shaw and giving the left-back troubles when he was bouncing behind him. One mistake, and the Englishman would've been pick-pocketed.

Daley Blind's inadequacies come to the fore

Daley Blind was a composed influence at the back over United's first three outings - winning all of his tackles, aerial duels, and quickly scuppering attacks without one foul - but the Blues simply pose more threat than Bournemouth, Hull City, and Southampton.

And while Blind may have a superb reading of the game, he clearly lacks athleticism that will be exposed a few times this campaign.

Although questions can be asked about Eric Bailly neither challenging Iheanacho in the air, nor sufficiently anticipating the flick-on, Blind was statuesque when De Bruyne nicked ahead of him for the opener.

Chris Smalling remained on the bench throughout the contest, but will hope to be handed an opportunity at Feyenoord on Thursday.

Fernandinho justifying Pep talk

Guardiola didn't waste any time in revealing the fulcrum of his XI back in July.

"I think Fernandinho can play in 10 positions," said Guardiola.

"He has the quality to play wherever. He could play at centre-back. He's a quick, fast player, so intelligent, aggressive and strong in the air."

At Old Trafford, the Brazilian was again pivotal. In busying himself between the midfield and defence, De Bruyne and David Silva were able to commit themselves more in closing down the opposition, and the impressive Otamendi and Stones could showcase their new freedom in spraying passes around. If the opposition wants to scupper City, it has to start with Fernandinho - and that should've been Rooney's job.

A real statement of intent from City in a match that lived up to the hype. With the addition of Gabriel Jesus to the attack in January, Guardiola's outfit could be a juggernaut over the second half of this term.