It was a Manchester derby dubbed English football’s most expensive match, yet wholly failed to live up to even the smallest billing. Both defences bossed the game, unusual in the Premier League, but had their tasks made far easier by underwhelming attacking units.
Manuel Pellegrini will be happy with his point, but the injuries to Sergio Aguero and David Silva did not stop him from fielding a front four which cost over £150million in transfer fees. The options in reserve of the Premier League’s biggest clubs are remarkably unconvincing.
For United, however, more reason to be glum despite shading the match. With no injuries amongst his offensive players, this was Louis van Gaal’s first-choice attack, but the only player to have a shot on target was Chris Smalling. A chance to go back to the top of the league (or at least level on points with Arsenal) was passed up without much discernible endeavour.
For a (literal) balls-out manager, United have been remarkably ‘safety-first’ in their approach this season. Most crucially of all, this was a match that provided only disappointment after the significant hype. It was not just the excitement that was low, it was even lacking in the basic skill department. The final ball was atrocious, simple passes failed to find their men and the standard of crossing from both sides was worse than woeful.
Arsenal really could win the title.
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