Mumbai: One of the most awaited fixtures in the English Premier League (Manchester United versus Manchester City) turned out to be an anti-climax of sorts as either of the sides failed to score. The Citizens jumped to the top of the table ahead of Arsenal, after gaining a point, while United sat 4th in the table after the match.
Strong defensive performances
Both Manchester United and Manchester City played with a formidable back four, effectively cancelling out each other’s offence.
United’s fullbacks Marcos Rojo and Antonio Valencia rarely ventured forward. They focused more on containing City’s wide players (Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling). Chris Smalling and Rojo showed great chemistry which helped silence Ivorian striker Wilfried Bony. Morgan Schneiderlin’s dominant display in midfield disrupted the Citizens, forcing them to play long balls to Bony, who was effectively contained by the centerbacks.
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(Manchester United's Juan Mata (R) is held by Manchester City's Fernandinho during the Manchester derby at Old Trafford, Manchester on Sunday, Photo: AP)
Manuel Pellegrini’s team’s intention to sit back and defend in order to draw one point from the fixture became clear when Yaya Toure was replaced by defender Martin Demichelis with 14 minutes left. Centerbacks Vincent Kompany and Nicolas Otamendi made a series of crucial blocks and clearances which helped Joe Hart maintain a clean sheet at the Old Trafford.
Otamendi’s performance stood out in particular. He intercepted three menacing passes into the box and also made ten clearances for his side. He won three tackles and two aerial duels.
Poor attacking display
Despite having most of the possession, United could manage to get only two shots on target during the game with a shot accuracy of just 16.7%. Louis van Gaal’s side lacked composure going forward in the first half, with Juan Mata and Wayne Rooney struggling to connect, while Anthony Martial seemed to be isolated upfront in a position wider than he’s usually played in. The Red Devils looked a little stronger though, while attacking in the second half with the introduction of Marouane Fellaini and Jesse Lingard.
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(Wayne Rooney in action during Manchester United's fixture against Manchester City at Old Trafford, Manchester on Sunday, Photo: AP)
With United dominating possession, City adopted a more counterattacking style of play. But with just 57% passing accuracy in the home side’s half, most of their build- ups faltered. The first shot on target came through a tame effort by Jesus Navas in the 82nd minute. Toure had two clear chances to help city take the lead but failed to put the ball in the back of the net.
Poor run of form and absence of key players
Rooney’s inconsistent form continued as he failed to score in yet another match. Anthony Martial too, faced difficulties adapting to the game as he was played out of his comfort zone in a wider position. Big money purchase Memphis Depay was benched by the manager yet again.
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(Manchester City's Vincent Kompany applauds supporters after the English Premier League soccer match against Manchester United at Old Trafford, Manchester on Sunday, Photo: AP)
City’s attack looked toothless in the absence of ace playmaker David Silva and star striker Sergio Aguero. Central attacking midfielder Toure had trouble finding his form this season as well, after much speculation about a possible move to Milan giants Internazionale last year. De Bruyne clearly put up a poor performance, often misplacing crucial passes.
