For team manager Ralf Rangnick from Manchester United, the sporting gap to city rivals Manchester City is currently blatant.
"They are one of the best teams in the world and we have a long way to go to close this big gap," said the German coach after the bitter and well-deserved 1: 4 derby defeat at the Premier League leaders on Sunday.
"It was a difficult game that showed how big the gap is to them right now," said Rangnick, whose team had to do without superstar Cristiano Ronaldo and slipped to fifth place in the English elite league.
The Portuguese is injured.
For him, 19-year-old Swede Anthony Elanga is in the starting XI.
In addition to Ronaldo, Rangnick was missing another experienced striker in Edinson Cavani.
On Sunday, star coach Pep Guardiola's team led the Red Devils in phases – in the last 15 minutes United only had eight (!) percent possession of the ball.
"The greatest success for me is that we continue to perform as we do even after three championship titles," said Guardiola.
His side are six points ahead of closest pursuers Liverpool, who have played one game in hand.
Meanwhile, Rangnick and Man United slipped to fifth, 22 points behind City.
A strong Kevin de Bruyne put City on the winning track with two goals in front of 53,165 spectators (5th and 28th minutes).
Riyad Mahrez made the preliminary decision with a dropkick from the edge of the penalty area in the 68th minute and also scored the final point (90th).
Former Dortmund player Jadon Sancho scored the equalizer for the guests after a counterattack with a remarkable flick (22').
National player Ilkay Gündogan came on as a substitute for the strong Citizens in the 80th minute.
Arsenal had previously advanced to a Champions League spot with a 3-2 (2-1) win at relegation candidate Watford.