Premier League: The Manchester Derby Ends on a Disappointing Note
It was the dreaded derby game, with the two iconic teams Manchester United and Manchester Coty going up against each other at the former’s home ground, Old Trafford Stadium.
The result of the highly anticipated encounter left the spectators and football fans all over rather disappointed and gloomy, as the match ended in a 0-0 draw state, crushing the excitement of a live wire game to the bits.
Manchester City had plenty of the ball time but little to play with it in their favour, as the goalless outcome spoke volumes of the preparation done by both teams.
The results leave Pep Guardiola’s side fifth in the Premier League table currently one behind Chelsea, with seven matches more to play. They certainly missed their top scorer Erling Haaland, out on injury, who could have been the trump card for them. The United men are on the other hand lurking on 13th place with 38 points, way behind the opponents they played against. The red devils had the opportunity to claim three points and move up the ladder, but to no use.
The sides played out a low-key derby that lacked the pump and adrenaline which was rather expected from two archrivals on the football ground. This draw has handed over a big blow to City’s bid for the Champions League qualification.
“Tight game. They had chances, we had chances as well,” Guardiola said. “The only problem is we moved too much with the ball. We had to be in the right position, and we didn’t do that.” With both sides struggling through difficult campaigns, neither created any obvious chances, particularly in a boring first half at the packed Old Trafford.
The first scoreless draw in the derby since 2020, had some intense moments which looked as if one of the sides could post a goal in the opponent’s side, but none could be converted into actual numbers.
The second half of the match had possible subtle hints of goals. City dissipated a terrific chance soon after the break, when Omar Marmoush flicked a pass to send Phil Foden with his blazing shot, but United defender Noussair Mazraoui rushed in to make a clean tackle from behind.
Joshua Zirkzee had United’s best opportunity mid-way through the second half when he turned and struck a half-volley that forced Manchester City’s keeper Ederson to make an outstanding save. United players even appealed for a penalty when Ruben Dias tripped and ended up falling on the ball in the box, but the referee stood in disagreement, and the red devils lost their chance to claim a goal.
The previous derby had been far more entertaining as per popular opinion, with United stunning the champions in December with a 2-1 win at Etihad Stadium thanks to late goals by Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo. However, there were no such fireworks on Sunday, which was the 196th derby.
Many fans infact started heading out to the exits even before the final whistle blew, quite pensive with the unexpected consequence and the lack of aggression shown by the men in red to score a goal.
Pep Guardiola and United boss Ruben Amorim embraced at the end as the players amiably shook hands.
City fans periodically broke into Kevin De Bruyne chants, for their beloved Belgian midfielder who was playing in his final Manchester derby after announcing on Friday that he would leave the club at the end of the season.
All in all, the draw score match can be touted as perhaps Guardiola’s forgettable performance as a manager. With no real meat, lack of an attacking mindset and poor show from the boys needs to respond.
For Manchester United, the new manager Amorim must work in quick acts to show some visible results, as the current scenario doesn’t portray a positive fighting spirit from his men.
By: Tulika Agarwal
