Barclays Premier League

Manchester City manager Sven Goran Eriksson admitted he can't wait to get stuck into Manchester United after his side maintained their 100 percent start to the season.

City sit proudly in second place in the Premiership after following their opening day win at West Ham with a 1-0 success against Derby on Wednesday.

Michael Johnson's first half winner ensured City will go into Sunday's clash against arch rivals United four points ahead of the champions.

As if that wasn't enough to have City fans relishing the encounter, they will also be rubbing their hands at United's loss of Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo through injury and suspension respectively.

Eriksson knows the match will prove how far advanced his City revolution really is, although his claim that Rooney and Ronaldo's absence was a shame can be taken with a pinch of salt.

"Sunday is a big one," he said. "Of course, they are the champions, so it is a big test for us.

"It is a pity (that Rooney and Ronaldo are out)," he said. "As a fan or a spectator in front of the TV, you want to see the best players perform.

"But they have so many good footballers I think they can put in another one who is very good as well."

Eriksson spent over 40 million pounds bringing a host foreign players to City and so far they look astute purchases.

But it was Johnson, a homegrown English teenager who cost nothing, who ended City's 780-minute league goal drought at Eastlands.

His brilliant 43rd minute strike was their first at home in the Premiership since New Year's Day and just reward for an influential display.

Eriksson was full of praise for the midfielder.

"It is fantastic to see so many young players doing well," said Eriksson.

"I must congratulate the club's academy for the extremely good work they have done.

"I saw Michael on TV last season. He is a very fresh boy but for his age he is also very clever.

"He can pass the ball, he can defend and he has a good engine. But above all, he is just a very good player."

Johnson gave Derby an early warning of his intent when he surged through to the edge of the area and drove a shot narrowly over.

Stephen Ireland tried an ambitious chip over Stephen Bywater but failed to hit the target.

Derby finally threatened when Stephen Pearson burst clear of Richard Dunne, but he lost his composure with Kasper Schmeichel to beat and the son of the Manchester United legend blocked well.

It was a false dawn for Billy Davies's side as City's homegrown talents combined to give them the lead in the 43rd minute.

Johnson embarked on a jinking run past three defenders before finding Ireland, who quickly returned the pass. Johnson had time to look up and bend a superb strike past Bywater.

Derby huffed and puffed but Eriksson has established a slick passing game that makes a mockery of the drab football played by England during his reign.

They nearly started the second half with a second goal when Vedran Corluka crossed to Rolando Bianchi, but Bywater smothered the Italian striker's shot.

City kept up the pressure and Bywater had to be alert again to clear from Bianchi and then repel Brazil midfielder Elano's long-range effort.

Derby's hulking striker Steve Howard headed over from Matt Oakley's corner.

Howard offered another threat when he tried to bundle in a loose ball but Schmeichel was quickly off his line and the final danger had passed.