Fernandinho once again showed his talents as he helped Manchester City cruise to an easy derby day win over Manchester United at Old Trafford on Tuesday night.
The Brazilian had a hand in the first goal after 46 seconds as his incisive pass released Samir Nasri, and although the Frenchman’s shot crashed off the post Edin Džeko was able to tap in the rebound.
It was the first of three unanswered goals for City and Fernandinho’s performance earned acclaim as the host broadcaster Sky Sports gave him the man of the match award.
The 26-year-old spoke in English to the cameras after the game and told Sky Sports about the comfort of the victory.
“Our team deserved the win. We started very good from the first minute,” Fernandinho stated, with The Sports Review quoting him.
“This goal changed the game. It was very comfortable. This game was key for us. The win was massive. I think it can give us confidence in the title race.”
City now make the trip to London to play Arsenal at the weekend and the Brazilian believes this result will give them confidence to achieve another three points against the Gunners.
Fernandinho said: “We have another difficult game away and I think the confidence will be high for us.
“The confidence is more high and we need to keep the performance in all the games.”
