On April 7, 2018, Manchester City faced Manchester United in a highly anticipated Premier League match at the Etihad Stadium. Manchester United secured a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory, delaying Manchester City’s title celebrations and showcasing a remarkable turnaround in one of the most memorable Manchester derbies.
Key Statistics and Analysis
- Scoreline and Goal Timings:
- Manchester City: 2 (Vincent Kompany 25′, Ilkay Gündogan 30′)
- Manchester United: 3 (Paul Pogba 53′, 55′, Chris Smalling 69′)
- Possession:
- Manchester City had 65% possession, while Manchester United had 35%. City’s dominance in possession reflected their control, especially in the first half, but United’s resilience and clinical finishing in the second half were key to their comeback.
- Shots:
- Manchester City registered 20 shots, with 6 on target, showcasing their attacking intent, particularly in the first half. Manchester United had 5 shots, with 3 on target, all of which resulted in goals, demonstrating their efficiency in front of goal.
- Passing Accuracy:
- Manchester City displayed a high passing accuracy of 88%, completing 653 passes out of 740 attempts. Manchester United had a passing accuracy of 75%, completing 294 passes out of 392 attempts. City’s superior ball retention allowed them to dominate much of the game, but United’s direct approach in the second half proved decisive.
- Defensive Statistics:
- Manchester United made 21 tackles compared to Manchester City’s 15, reflecting their defensive effort to disrupt City’s rhythm and protect their lead in the second half. United’s defense, led by Chris Smalling, who also scored the winning goal, held firm under intense pressure in the final stages.
- Set Pieces:
- Manchester City’s opening goal came from a corner, with Vincent Kompany rising highest to powerfully head the ball into the net. Their second goal, a well-worked team move, was finished by Ilkay Gündogan after a quick turn and shot inside the box. Manchester United’s first goal came from open play, with Paul Pogba finishing from close range after a clever pass from Ander Herrera. Pogba then equalized two minutes later with a header from Alexis Sánchez’s cross, and Smalling completed the comeback by volleying in from a free-kick delivery by Sánchez.
- Individual Performances:
- Paul Pogba was the standout player for Manchester United, scoring two goals in quick succession to ignite the comeback. Chris Smalling redeemed his earlier mistake on City’s first goal by scoring the winner. For Manchester City, Vincent Kompany was a key figure in both defense and attack, scoring the opening goal and leading the team by example, but his efforts were overshadowed by United’s comeback.
- Tactical Overview:
- Manchester City employed a 4-3-3 formation under Pep Guardiola, focusing on maintaining possession, pressing high, and attacking through their wide players. Manchester United used a 4-3-3 formation under José Mourinho, initially adopting a cautious approach but switching to a more aggressive and direct style in the second half, which paid off handsomely.
- Disciplinary:
- The match saw five yellow cards, four for Manchester United (Ashley Young 10′, Nemanja Matić 60′, Ander Herrera 74′, Chris Smalling 85′) and one for Manchester City (Vincent Kompany 86′). The fouls were largely tactical, aimed at breaking up play and preventing counter-attacks.
- Corners and Offsides:
- Manchester City won 13 corners compared to Manchester United’s 3, reflecting their sustained pressure, especially in the first half. City were caught offside twice, while United had no offside calls, indicating City’s attempts to stretch United’s defense.
Summary
Manchester United’s 3-2 victory over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium was a remarkable comeback and one of the most memorable Manchester derbies in recent history. City, needing a win to secure the Premier League title on the day, raced to a 2-0 lead with goals from Vincent Kompany and Ilkay Gündogan in the first half. However, United responded with a stunning second-half performance, led by Paul Pogba, who scored twice in quick succession to level the match.
Chris Smalling then completed the turnaround with a volleyed goal from a set piece, leaving City shell-shocked. Despite intense pressure from City in the final minutes, including a missed opportunity by Raheem Sterling, United held on to spoil City’s title party.
The victory was a significant morale boost for United and a blow to City’s aspirations of winning the title on derby day. The match is remembered for its drama, the brilliance of Pogba, and United’s resilience in one of the greatest comebacks in Premier League history. It also delayed City’s title celebrations, adding to the intensity and rivalry between the two clubs.
