The Etihad Stadium was a cauldron of celebration on September 14, 2025, as Manchester City delivered a resounding 3-0 thrashing to arch-rivals Manchester United in the Premier League’s latest Manchester derby. The victory, fueled by a scintillating performance from Erling Haaland and a revitalized Phil Foden, not only eased the pressure on Pep Guardiola’s side but also ignited a wave of camaraderie among the City squad. Haaland’s post-match social media antics, showcasing his Player of the Match award alongside a steak, drew spirited reactions from teammates, including a heartfelt nod from former City star Jack Grealish, now thriving on loan at Everton, and a cheeky comment from Foden, encapsulating the team’s jubilant mood.
The match itself was a masterclass in City’s attacking prowess. Foden, making his first Premier League start of the season, set the tone early with a pinpoint header in the 18th minute, capitalizing on a brilliant piece of wing play by Jeremy Doku. The 25-year-old midfielder, who had endured a challenging period with form and fitness, was back to his dynamic best, orchestrating play from a central role and earning praise for his vibrant display. “It was a complete performance – holding the ball up, scoring, doing the dirty things, he did everything,” Foden said of Haaland, whose second-half brace sealed the rout. Haaland’s first goal came shortly after the break, as he latched onto a precise pass from Doku to coolly lift the ball over United’s goalkeeper Altay Bayindir. His second, a clinical finish after a Harry Maguire error, underscored his predatory instinct, bringing his derby goal tally to eight—a Manchester City record.
Haaland, basking in the glow of victory, took to social media with a playful post that captured the night’s exuberance. Holding his Player of the Match award in one hand and a sizzling steak in the other, he captioned the image, “Have a nice evening!” The tongue-in-cheek message resonated across the football world, drawing reactions from teammates and rivals alike. Foden, clearly amused, commented, “What a guy” alongside a laughing emoji, while Ruben Dias chimed in with, “Yessir we feasting.” Even Jack Grealish, watching from Merseyside, joined the celebration, liking the post and adding three emojis—a pair of raised hands, a crown, and a light blue heart—reflecting his enduring bond with his former teammate. Other stars, including Virgil van Dijk and Gianluigi Donnarumma, also showed support by liking Haaland’s post, highlighting the Norwegian’s global influence.
For Grealish, the moment was bittersweet. The 29-year-old, who won the Premier League Player of the Month award for August after notching four assists in three matches for Everton, has revitalized his career since his loan move from City. His performances, including a standout display in a 3-2 win over Wolves, have sparked talk of a permanent transfer. Yet, his reaction to Haaland’s post showed his continued affection for his former club. Earlier this season, Haaland had praised Grealish’s form, and the Everton loanee reciprocated, having previously called Haaland “the best” after the striker’s record-breaking 88 goals in 100 Premier League games. Their friendship, forged during their time at City, remains a heartwarming subplot to the derby’s narrative.
The victory was particularly poignant for City, who had stumbled in recent weeks, managing just three points from their opening three matches. Haaland’s five goals in four games this season have been a bright spot, and his post-match comments reflected the team’s relief: “You could feel it from the fans, we needed this. You always want to win the derby but you could feel it extra today.” Foden echoed the sentiment, dedicating the win to the late Ricky Hatton, a lifelong City fan and boxing legend whose passing earlier that day cast an emotional shadow over the match. “I had extra motivation going into the game, it was for him and his family,” Foden said, his passion evident as he celebrated with the Etihad faithful.
Guardiola, too, was effusive, hailing Haaland as “better than ever” and Foden as “the heart of the club.” The manager’s faith in his stars paid dividends, with debutant goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma earning praise from Haaland for a crucial save that denied United’s Bryan Mbeumo. “He was unbelievable,” Haaland said, insisting Donnarumma deserved the Player of the Match award. The win not only bolstered City’s title aspirations but also piled pressure on United’s manager Ruben Amorim, whose side struggled to respond after Foden’s opener.
As City savored their dominance, the post-match reactions painted a picture of unity and resilience. Haaland’s steak-wielding celebration, Foden’s resurgence, and Grealish’s cross-city support underscored the human side of a fierce rivalry. With Arsenal looming as their next challenge, City’s stars are riding high, ready to carry their derby momentum forward. For now, the blue half of Manchester is feasting—both on steak and on victory.
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