Nicolas Otamendi's Superb Derby Display Could See Him Cement His Man City Place

It was an unusual occurrence. On Sunday, Manchester City, who hadn’t been involved in a draw for 23 Premier League games in succession, were held 0-0 by their cross-town rivals Manchester United.

There was little for City to cheer. Their play lacked fluency or excitement. Manuel Pellegrini, a manager obsessed with seeing his side play open, attractive football, was unimpressed.

United, who, arguably, shaded proceedings and probably feel somewhat disappointed, were there for the taking had City shown their usual verve and ingenuity.

"

Pellegrini admits #utdvcity draw went against footballing instincts, but pleased with point: https://t.co/61enCHIfEF pic.twitter.com/YJggL5N7Ho

— Manchester City FC (@MCFC) October 25, 2015"

The one bright spot, though, was keeping a clean sheet, their first since the 1-0 win at Crystal Palace nine matches ago.

Vincent Kompany’s return was important, and he remains the one constant when City manage to shut out the opposition this season, but Nicolas Otamendi, who has produced some turbulent displays since joining City, was the star of the show.

The Argentina international will now be desperate to use this as a springboard for a consistent run of form. He was outstanding.

The 27-year-old arrived at City having been widely regarded at the best defender in La Liga for Valencia last season, even eclipsing the brilliant Sergio Ramos in terms of consistency and quality.

There were doubts about his size and lack of pace, but his aggressive style of defending had been so effective, it was seen as an excellent deal for City.

But it hasn’t been an easy transition. With Kompany struggling through injury, Otamendi has partnered both Martin Demichelis and Eliaquim Mangala. He’s veered from moments of proactive brilliance to periods where the game has passed him by.

It was becoming a worry for the City supporters, but Pellegrini clearly has a lot of faith in the Argentinian. With Kompany returning for the game at Old Trafford, most expected Otamendi to make way. The fact he didn’t was a huge statement and a boost to his confidence.

And he handsomely repaid his manager's faith. Time and again, it was Otamendi who would nip in ahead of United's attackers and produce a header or tackle that eased the pressure on his side. It was aggressive defending at its very best, and he was rightly named man of the match by Sky Sports. 

Jon Super/Associated Press

For one of City’s other big-money summer signings, though, it was a far less impressive 90 minutes.

Kevin De Bruyne has been pretty much flawless since his £54 million move from Wolfsburg late in the summer transfer window, but this was an afternoon spent on the periphery, unable to influence proceedings.

He had scored five goals in nine appearances for the club before this game, playing a significant role in creating a number of others, but his passing let him down against United.

At 24, his impact on this City side has been remarkable, and this is likely to be a blip rather than anything more systemic.

"

The boss is satisfied with today's result. #utdvcity #mcfc pic.twitter.com/zepXfDaq5f

— Manchester City FC (@MCFC) October 25, 2015"

City remain top of the table, ahead of second-placed Arsenal on goal difference and two points in front of West Ham United and Manchester United. Their start has been solid, if unspectacular, but their improvement on last season is clear.

Anyone who saw them in the last Manchester derby back in April, which they lost 4-2 and afterwards were uncertain of a top-four place, will know they are now playing with much more freedom and inventiveness. They are genuine title challengers once again. 

For Otamendi, this must be used as a turning point in his City career. With Kompany now back fit and in the side, he has an opportunity to partner the Belgian long-term and establish an understanding with the Blues captain.

If he can reproduce his derby performance, he will almost certainly remain ahead of Mangala in the pecking order.

"

Thank you to our fans today. Really wanted all 3... but at least a point means we are top of the league #ComeOnCity pic.twitter.com/ovohsWPIda

— Yaya Touré (@YayaToure) October 25, 2015"

Rob Pollard is Bleacher Report's lead Manchester City correspondent and will be following the club from a Manchester base throughout the 2015/16 season. All quotes were obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow him on Twitter @RobPollard_.