Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was left frustrated by his team's 0-0 draw at Manchester City.
"I am disappointed we didn't win, we needed to win," said the Scot on a night when Chelsea beat Fulham 1-0 to extend their Premier League lead.
City boss Roberto Mancini was happier to share the spoils, saying: "It was important for both clubs not to lose.
"I think this proves City are at the same level as United at the moment. We just need some more time."
Despite a big build-up, with both teams in the top four in the Premier League, the game failed to spark into life.
Defences dominated, with City's best chance a Carlos Tevez free-kick that Edwin van der Sar saved and United going close when Dimitar Berbatov's volley flew at Joe Hart.
Mancini, who saw his team fall seven points behind leaders Chelsea, believes the result proves City are continuing to close the gap on neighbours United.
"We are improving and I prefer one point to zero points, which was the case in this game last season," said the Italian.
"When you play in a derby it is a difficult game. We did not have many chances to score but it was a good point.
"We tried to win but they defended very well. We play to win but when you do not have many chances it is difficult."
Ferguson admitted City made life tough for his side, who had several players struggling with a virus in the lead-up to the game.
"They set their stall out not to lose," said Ferguson after his 34th Manchester derby. "They are very powerful and experienced and they stopped us from playing.
"Maybe all the tension in the build-up to the game was too much for it to be a real spectacle.
"There were good aspects to our play. We controlled the game and there were good aspects to our play but we didn't create many chances."
We dominated and played some good football, but teams coming here are going to find it difficult."
United keeper Van der Sar was less diplomatic about City's tactics, claiming: ""They were clearly playing for a point whereas we wanted to win. They were more defensive than us."
The point keep United in second place, but they are now four behind leaders Chelsea, while Arsenal closed to within a point of Ferguson's team after winning 2-0 at Wolves.
Mancini said ahead of Wednesday's match that he believes Chelsea will retain the title, but said afterwards that things could change during the tense knockout stages of the Champions League.
"If we are still close then we will see. It is very difficult, but it's important that we stay near the top," he added.
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