All eyes were on Romelu Lukaku as the teams for the Manchester derby were announced, with the Belgian striker’s “big-game mentality” repeatedly questioned during his time in the Premier League.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic was back in contention and fans wondered whether Jose Mourinho would opt to start the big Swede, but after getting the nod Lukaku failed to impress.

The 24-year-old had a hand in both of Manchester City’s goals, leaving an easy opportunity for anyone who wanted to make a joke at the striker’s expense.

Who says Lukaku doesn't show up in big games? That's two assists now. — Tim Bolton * (@timbolton1) December 10, 2017

Lukaku failed to defend the corner from which City’s first goal came while his role in their winner was even bigger – hitting his clearance against a City player and watching Nicolas Otamendi convert from the deflection.

While there were variations on the comments people were making…

Lukaku most creative Belgian in the league. — Jack Saishï (@StigEzeh) December 10, 2017

There weren’t many.

Romelu Lukaku takes a lot of digs about not showing up in big games but he's been outstanding for Man City today. — Tom Todhunter (@tdhntr) December 10, 2017

Lukaku has got eight Premier League goals so far this season but only one of those has come since September. Some fans are now losing patience.

Mkhitaryan was killed and eaten for less than what Lukaku has done today — BURNS (@TheSteveBurnio) December 10, 2017

Got some stick for defending Lukaku on the podcast. Thought he was good against Watford and Arsenal and was delighted he scored midweek. He's been terrible today :( — Paul (@NQATPaul) December 10, 2017

Lukaku needs to go to where Mkhi is, I’ve had enough. — ~ (@Mxbel) December 10, 2017

The former Everton man’s big chance came late in the game but from a few yards out he could only hit the ball at Ederson.

(Dave Thompson/AP)

I’ve defended him alot but Romelu Lukaku’s performance today is inexcusable. Horrific defending for both goals and simply has to bury the chance against Ederson. Fine margians in which titles are won and lost. — Harry (@Bruxinho33) December 10, 2017

Man said Lukaku plays like he’s wearing jeans — Edwin (@edwin_afc) December 10, 2017

It meant the game finished 2-1 to City and they stretched their winning streak to 14 games – the joint-longest such streak in English top division history along with Arsenal’s between February and August 2002.

They do get a record all of their own, though.

14 – Man City have won their last 14 league games in a row – the most by a team in a single English top-flight season. Momentum. pic.twitter.com/082h7oDeuI — OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 10, 2017

As if the loss wasn’t already bad enough for Jose Mourinho, it marked his ninth defeat against Pep Guardiola. More than against anyone else.

He’ll be hoping he won’t be watching Guardiola lift the trophy at the end of the season, but with City 11 points ahead of United now it’s looking increasingly likely.