CASTROL EDGE: MANCHESTER DERBY
Today sees arguably the most significant Manchester derby ever as the winner will hold pole position in the race for the title. The overall head to head record show Manchester United having won 67 of the derbies while City have won 44 with 50 ending in a draw.
The previous time these two teams met City came out comprehensive winners when they humiliated United 6-1 at Old Trafford. United have the opportunity for revenge as victory over City will mean they need just 1 point from their final two games to secure their 20th title.
Ahead of tonight’s potentially explosive match Castrol Edge takes a look at some of the key performers from the Blue and Red side of Manchester.
CARLOS TEVEZ VITAL TO CITY SUCCESS
Castrol EDGE performance data shows that Carlos Tevez has been involved in a goal every 55 minutes for Manchester City this season, a better ratio than any other player in the Premier league this season.
Among players who have had a hand in at least five of their side’s league goals this season, the Argentinean has proved the most efficient, finding the net four times and setting three other goals.
His partnership with Sergio Agüero has kept City’s hopes alive of a first Premier League crown: in the 304 minutes they have enjoyed together on the pitch, both players have scored a grand total of 11 goals (seven for Agüero and four for Tevez).
TOP TWO KEEPERS GO HEAD TO HEAD IN MANCHESTER DERBY
Ahead of Monday night’s crucial Manchester derby, Castrol EDGE performance data shows that the best two goalkeepers in the Premier League this season will be playing a big role in the outcome.
Manchester City’s Joe Hart has been the standout goalkeeper in the Premier League this season, topping the goalkeeping standings for save percentage (77.5%), clean sheets (15) and clean sheet percentage (43%). Despite a poor start to the season, the improvement of Manchester United’s David De Gea has been impressive, so much so that he sits second only to Hart in saves-to-shots ratio (76.7%) and clean sheet percentage (42%).
When directly comparing the two goalkeepers, Hart also holds a significant edge in minutes per goal conceded, with a miserly one goal conceded every 117 minutes compared to De Gea’s 84. However, De Gea’s shot-stopping ability has been one of the main reasons for Manchester United’s rise to the top of the table, with the Spaniard boasting a superior 3.5 saves per match compared to Hart’s 2.7.
VINTAGE SCHOLES IS SHOWING THE WAY FOR UNITED
Castrol EDGE performance data shows that Paul Scholes has played the most minutes in the Premier League this season without ever losing.
The Manchester Utd veteran has been on the pitch 933 minutes in the Premier League since making his return last January and has never ended on the losing side.
Incidentally, his first game back for the Red Devils was at Eastlands against Manchester City in an FA Cup 3rd round tie on 8 January when he came on as a second-half sub – he only missed two of his 71 passes on that afternoon, proof that class is permanent.
Top 3 most minutes played without losing in the PL this season
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