In what was a thrilling and tense contest, Crystal Palace and Manchester United played out a 0-0 draw in Matchweek 5 of the Premier League. Both sides had their chances but ultimately failed to find the back of the net despite generating significant expected goals (xG)—1.3 for Palace and 1.6 for United. Let’s dive into the key stats, shot breakdowns, and possession tactics that shaped the game.

Match Overview & Key Stats

While Manchester United dominated possession with 69%, Crystal Palace defended well and hit back on the counter with 15 touches in United’s box compared to United’s 25 in Palace’s. Both sides accumulated dangerous shots, with Crystal Palace having 7 total shots and Manchester United taking 13. However, the Red Devils will feel more disappointed not to capitalize on their 5 shots on target, while Palace only managed 4 on target.

Fouls were a defining feature in breaking up the rhythm of both teams, with United committing 12 fouls to Palace’s 7, while three yellow cards were shown to Palace players. United, with 32 dribbles (to Palace’s 12), sought to break down the Eagles’ defense, but Palace’s solid defensive organization held firm, with Marc Guéhi at the heart of it.

Match Momentum & Expected Goals (xG)

The match’s momentum chart reflects Manchester United’s control in the first half, generating multiple chances early on, particularly between the 20th and 40th minute. United’s xG rose steadily with promising attacks throughout each phase of the game. However, Crystal Palace came alive in the second half, particularly after the 60th minute, pushing their xG sharply to 1.3 by the end.

Shots Taken & Shot Analysis

United’s shot map shows a heavy concentration in and around the penalty area, but Palace’s defense was resolute, forcing many efforts wide or blocking shots.

Palace’s shot map revealed a more measured approach, with them actually having a higher xG on Target of 0.99 to United’s 0.86.

Pass Maps & Possession Tactics

Manchester United’s pass map underlined their attempts to control the game through the center, with Christian Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes heavily involved in distributing the ball between the lines. The Red Devils aimed to exploit the wide areas, with Diogo Dalot and Alejandro Garnacho combining well on the right, creating multiple overlapping runs. However, the final ball often lacked the cutting edge to break down Palace’s low block.

Crystal Palace’s pass map, on the other hand, reflected a pragmatic approach, using Eberechi Eze and Daichi Kamada as outlets for quick transitions. Palace’s buildup primarily went through Marc Guéhi and Maxence Lacroix, ensuring stability before finding Eze or Tyrick Mitchell down the left flank. When in possession, Palace looked to draw United forward before launching balls into the channels, hoping to catch them out of shape.

Despite the 0-0 scoreline, this match had its fair share of drama and tactical intricacies. Both sides will feel that they could have taken all three points had their finishing been sharper. Palace showed resilience and looked dangerous on the counter, while United’s frustration in front of goal continues as they seek to convert their possession into decisive results.