Pablo Zabaleta has insisted that Manchester City "deserved" their 1-0 victory over rivals Manchester United this afternoon.
Visiting United were made to play 51 minutes with a man light following the dismissal of Chris Smalling, but still created chances to equalise in the closing stages as City were made to battle for their win.
However, despite the late pressure that his side was put under, full-back Zabaleta believes that City were worthy victors following Sergio Aguero's second-half strike.
"When you play in these kind of games it's always difficult but I think we deserved that win. We know how much it means for the fans, for everyone at the club and especially for the players," he told BBC Sport.
City have now won the last four Manchester derbies in succession.
Written by
Liam Apicella
Liam Apicella
