(Image Source: IMG)

BY MATT NOONAN

ANCHOR JIM FLINK

Manchester City has hasn't won an English top league championship since 1968. League juggernaut Manchester United has often described its crosstown rival as a "noisy neighbor,” rather than a legitimate contender.

But that perception may have changed over the weekend, as City handed United an embarrassing 6 to 1 loss at home. The defeat was United's worst in front of a home crowd in more than 50 years.

Beating United at Old Trafford is always an accomplishment, but Fox Soccer's Warren Barton says the real story is how City took down the giant:

"I think it makes a huge statement. And I think it will have a big say in the title race. There's no point of just hiding behind it... City not only beat Manchester United, but humiliated them on their own field as well. And their performance to me, was sensational."

So what led to that sensational performance on the field?  The Daily Mail's Martin Samuel says it all comes down to sensational coaching from manager Roberto Mancini.

"It is not just City’s style of football that has gathered courage. Mancini is making bold decisions on the biggest occasions, as the best managers do... he is consistently getting the best from the stellar names in his squad."

Mancini, though, doesn't doesn't read too much into the victory. In an interview with SKY Sports, he says winning on the road is more important to him than the margin of victory.

"So though your fans will celebrate the size of the victory... for you, is the only important thing the 3 points?"

"Yes, yes. It's an important 3 points, because we have one game less. And we've played here. I don't think there will be many teams that come here and win."

Sure, it’s only one match and only three points. But a Sydney Morning Herald writer says the weekend's trouncing could signal a power shift in the Premiere League.

"[City's] players will get so much belief and confidence from this victory... while the United lads will wake today with a numbness that will not go away quickly... The title is now City's to lose."

Not so fast, says ESPN blogger James Martin.  He points out that while Manchester City looks impressive now, the team's upcoming schedule could bring it back to reality.

"Let's remember that United has faced the top five teams... in its first nine games. City, on the other hand, still must play Liverpool away, Chelsea away, Arsenal at home and Liverpool again right after the new year."

Manchester City currently sits atop the Premiere League standings with a 5 point lead over Manchester United.

Transcript by Newsy.