Manchester City recorded the same number of goal attempts as Manchester United had possession in Sunday’s (March 3) derby at the Etihad.
The unusual statistic proves just how dominant Pep Guardiola’s side was against their great rivals. Not just content with peppering United’s goal all afternoon, they ensured they saw very little of the ball as well.
In total, the Cityzens recorded 27 shots with the Red Devils registering 27.1% possession, according to Opta Analyst. Should this really come as a huge surprise? Probably not.
The reigning Premier League champions are incredibly dominant on home soil. No matter the quality of opposition, you can almost guarantee that City will boss teams about.
Manchester Derby Stats
The 3-1 scoreline to Manchester City in the derby at the Etihad really wasn’t a true reflection on how the match panned out. Manchester United were up against it all afternoon.
Granted, Marcus Rashford’s stunning opening goal after eight minutes gave the Red Devils an unlikely lead. That was as good as it got for Erik ten Hag’s side.
Some of the Manchester derby stats did fall in United’s favour. They won 52.6% of their aerial duels compared to City’s 47.4%. They also won more of their overall ground duels, 54.1% compared to 44.7%.
As expected, United recorded more successful tackles (19-5), goalkeeper saves (5-0) and most completed clearances (41-4). Naturally, these aren’t the stats that you’d want to boast about.
From City’s perspective, they came out on top in terms of possession, goal attempts, shots on target, corner kicks, throw ins, total passes, completed passes, successful dribbles and attacks/dangerous attacks.
Phil Foden’s late double and Erling Haaland‘s sixth Manchester derby goal saw the Cityzens come from behind to claim all three points. The champions remain a point behind leaders Liverpool.
Phil Foden Stats
According to Pep Guardiola, there is no better English player in the Premier League currently than Manchester City star Phil Foden. Even Paul Scholes claims Foden is better than Chelsea legend Frank Lampard.
Phil Foden‘s stats prove he is having the best season of his career to date. In the Premier League, he has already equalled his best goal tally of 11 strikes.
In terms of goals scored in all competitions, Foden has 18 to his name already. His previous best is 16 which he registered in the 2020/21 season.
Foden’s superb brace against Manchester United means he has 78 goals for Manchester City. He moved above David Silva in City’s top-ten scorers of all-time.
Trailing in the Manchester derby?
Step up, Phil Foden 😮💨pic.twitter.com/Hj8unguV4J
— Premier League (@premierleague) March 4, 2024
In terms of assists, Foden has ten in all competitions this season. His best was 11 which he recorded in the 2020/21 season. Surely he’ll better that come the end of the current campaign.
It’s not just Phil Foden’s stats for goals and assists that are hugely impressive. Defensively, Foden has consistently tracked back to help his teammates as and when needed. His overall attacking play has improved game upon game.
From England manager Gareth Southgate‘s perspective, Foden will surely be one of the first names on the team sheet when the Three Lions meet Serbia in the European Championship on June 16.
Manchester City Results
February and March is typically the time of the year where Manchester City get into their stride. The Cityzens haven’t been as ruthless as they can be but they are getting the results they need.
Manchester City’s results in 2024 have seen them win 11 of their 12 games across all competitions. Their only blemish was the 1-1 draw with Chelsea in February.
The derby day victory against Manchester United on March 3 was their third in a row against the Red Devils in all competitions. The aggregate score across the trio of fixtures is 8-2.
For Manchester City’s last defeat, you have to go all the way back to December 6, 2023 to find it. Aston Villa recorded a 1-0 victory against the Cityzens in the Premier League.
City’s results in the UEFA Champions League in 2023/24 have been incredibly impressive. In the group stages, City won all six games and have already beaten Copenhagen in the first-leg of the last 16.
It really is no wonder that Manchester United – and others – have struggled so badly against the rampant treble winners this season. With their impressive stats and abundance of world class players to choose from, City are the envy of world football.
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