Manchester City won a chaotic derby at Etihad Stadium as Sergio Aguero’s second-half strike gave the Premier League champions victory over Manchester United.

Aguero’s 10th Premier League goal of the season finally breached a depleted United defence after Chris Smalling had been sent off in the first half and Marcos Rojo taken off on a stretcher after the break with shoulder damage.

It also brought a shaft of light to a disappointing week that had seen manager Manuel Pellegrini’s side lose at West Ham in the league then see their Capital One Cup defence ended at home by Newcastle.

In a game that was played on the edge of ill-discipline and often strayed into it, Aguero’s goal will have felt like vindication to City and their fans, infuriated at seeing a succession of presentable penalty appeals rejected by referee Michael Oliver.