Elliot Anderson has heaped the praise on one Manchester United and international teammate following their battle at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.
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It was Manchester City's weekend on Sunday as they emerged from the 199th Manchester derby victorious owing to a single goal from Erling Haaland in the second-half, despite being down to 10 men for the majority of the contest.
Referee Michael Oliver dismissed of Phil Foden in the 23rd minute for an act of violent conduct, with the England international adjudged to have kicked out at Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes amid an altercation on the touchline.
However, despite the numerical disadvantage, City appeared to emerge stronger and executed Enzo Maresca's game plan to perfection, striking on the counter-attack and retaining ball possession confidently throughout the remainder of the contest.
Ultimately, it was Josko Gvardiol's delivery from the left-hand side that found Erling Haaland at the back-post to convert beyond Senne Lammens, with City scoring the deciding goal after a lengthy VAR review to determine the Norwegian's onside position.
There is a privately-held view at Manchester City that the VAR controversy surrounding Erling Haaland's winning goal in Sunday's Manchester derby amounts to justice eventually being served, as per a new report.cityxtra.co.ukMan City's Private Belief on Haaland Derby Winner After 2023 Controversy
There is a privately-held view at Manchester City that the VAR controversy surrounding Erling Haaland's winning goal in Sunday's Manchester derby amounts to justice eventually being served, as per a new report.
Kobbie Mainoo singled out for praise by Elliot Anderson
Speaking to reporters after the full-time whistle at Old Trafford in a game that saw Haaland's second-half strike prove to be the difference between the two sides, Player of the Match Elliot Anderson was quizzed on his own experiences in what was his first Manchester derby.
The England international formed a midfield unit made up largely of himself, Enzo Fernandez, and Rayan Cherki, before the Frenchman would make way at the half-time interval for Iliman Ndiaye - as a response to Phil Foden's red card.
As such, Anderson would go head-to-head with Manchester United and fellow England international star Kobbie Mainoo.
"It was great. It was a good battle," Anderson said of facing the Manchester United academy graduate.
Anderson continued, "He's a top, top player, you know, and it's always tough playing against Kobbie, but yeah, he's a real good player and a real nice guy."
Anderson continues to be integral to City masterplan
Elliot Anderson is going from strength to strength in the Manchester City line-up, and has emerged as arguably the most important cog in the side beyond the Rodri era and the Spaniard's summer exit to FC Barcelona.
The England international arrived at the Etihad Stadium in a £116 million switch from Nottingham Forest, before instantly being implemented into Enzo Maresca's main line-up plans alongside fellow summer recruit Enzo Fernandez.
That duo are also working closely with attacking midfield options such as Phil Foden and Rayan Cherki, whilst offering the possibility of operating in the role themselves amid defensive midfield back-up from the likes of Ayyoub Bouaddi and Mateo Kovacic.
Nico O'Reilly continues to offer great versatility himself, and is understood to be viewed by Enzo Maresca as an option at left-back, driving further up the left-hand side, and throughout the midfield ranks depending on the game-plan and tactical structure.