Matchweek 31 delivered a Manchester Derby loaded with anticipation-and almost no end product. Despite boasting a combined 20 shots, two of the Premier League’s biggest sides played out a tense, high-energy 0-0 draw. What the match lacked in goals, it made up for in grit, midfield battles, and missed opportunities.
? Stat Breakdown: Red Edge in Threat, Blue Edge in the Ball
United came out on top in terms of shot volume (12 to City’s 8) and expected goals (xG: 1.27 to 0.28), but they lacked the clinical finish to turn dominance into a win. Both teams ended goalless, but the quality and quantity of United’s attempts-particularly late in the second half-suggest they’ll feel the more frustrated side.
City had more of the ball (60% possession), but they struggled to generate any real danger, with their xG per shot at a limp 0.035. Their five on-target shots were either too tame or too speculative to trouble Onana.
? Match Momentum: United Surge, City Stall
The xG timeline tells a clear story-City started steady but plateaued early, while United’s attacking intent grew after the break. A second-half surge in cumulative xG from United showed where the belief was building, especially between minutes 70 and 90.
Despite their low possession, United’s counters and half-space incursions generated late-game energy. But the breakthrough never came.
? Shot Maps: United Go Close, City Go Missing
City’s shot map was unusually sparse for a team of their caliber. Just 0.28 xG from 8 shots is a season low for them. The best chance-a tame effort from the edge of the box-registered just 0.10 xG.
Meanwhile, United peppered the edge of the box and generated higher-quality looks. Three of their shots had individual xG values over 0.10, including a blocked close-range strike in the dying minutes. But despite the volume, their finishing boots stayed in the dressing room.
? Possession Tactics: City’s Network Stalls, United Stay Direct
City’s pass map revealed their usual heavy central occupation, but they lacked the sharp final-third penetration. De Bruyne and Foden saw plenty of the ball, but wide combinations and cut-backs were largely absent.
United’s build-up was more vertical. Their pass map showed a clear diagonal pattern from the full-backs into midfield before funneling through Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro. They reached the opponent’s box 19 times-far more than City’s 7.
? The Verdict
It was a tactical chess match dressed as a derby. United created more, City passed more, but neither found a finish. It may not have been the most memorable edition of the Manchester Derby, but it was a glimpse into two teams trying to out-think rather than out-score each other.