Many Manchester City supporters feared that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's sacking would mark the beginning of a prosperous new era for cross-town foes Manchester United.
While that may turn out to be the case, if United's performance against Wolves on Monday night is anything to go by then City don't need to start worrying about Ralf Rangnick's side just yet.
United were abject in a 1-0 defeat, a result that leaves them a staggering 22 points behind City - albeit with two games in hand - at the halfway stage of the season.
For much of the current campaign City, ten points clear at the top of the Premier League table and 11 matches into an impressive winning streak, appear to have been playing a different sport to United, such is the vast gulf in quality between the two sides.
Frustratingly for City fans, their team's success is often lazily dismissed as solely being down to money, the argument being that if you have near-unlimited funds with which to sign the best players in the world, the likelihood is that you will play good football and win lots of trophies.
On a basic level, it's hard to disagree. Of course, Pep Guardiola would not have been able to implement his style of play and ideal without incredibly talented and intelligent players.
But what United's demise this term - perhaps more so than in other recent seasons - has done is prove that there is far more involved in building an excellent football team than just money.
United are paying £500,000 a week to arguably the most ineffectual striker they have had for years. Yes, Cristiano Ronaldo's goals have got his side out of a few sticky situations already this year but there can no longer be any doubt that his lack of work off the ball is a burden that outweighs his benefits.
Former City youth-teamer Jadon Sancho has done little to justify the £76.5m fee United paid Borussia Dortmund over the summer, while the likes of Fred, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Donny van de Beek have all failed to live up to their reputations and hefty price tags.
What United have shown City's critics is that chucking money around does not solve everything. Yes, it helps a lot, but there are many other factors at play for which City don't get the credit they deserve.
Guardiola's tactical genius, ability to improve players and the unique style of play that he has imposed are all factors that have played a greater role in City's success than money.
The idea that Guardiola's positional play model can only be implemented with the very best players around is a myth.
The painstakingly detailed scouting that City conduct before even considering whether or not to pursue a player is another factor conducive to success on the pitch and a healthy dressing room.
Since Guardiola took charge at the Etihad Stadium in 2016, City have spent £963.37m on players. Over the same time period, United have forked out £832.23m (both figures taken from Transfermarkt).
Yes, City have spent over £100m more. But if money was the antidote to all problems, then surely £800m would be enough to get United closer than 22 points to City?
Aside from being incredibly funny, United's current struggles are vindicating City's approach and making fools out of those who think it's all just money, money, money.
