The end of 2016-17 cannot come quickly enough for some at the Etihad, after yet another match of missed chances, overwhelming possession and domination resulted in a goalless Manchester derby. In a tight, tetchy game, the good old days of thud and blunder were revisited in a no-holds barred encounter, brimming with energy but once again coming up short on delivering the win City deserved.   

Positives

Yet again, City looked the more capable side and -- particularly in the second half -- were the only team looking for the three points. Captain Vincent Kompany's return has galvanised the defence, while the rejuvenated Gabriel Jesus offered a five-minute cameo identical to his debut, producing enough critical touches to have finished off United in the dying seconds. 

Negatives

There is no reason why the story of the season should at this late juncture be discontinued. The thread carried on strong and true here, with a display of midfield possession, clinical build-up play and an array of missed chances from all angles. The presence of Jesus next season will surely change that once and for all.   

Manager Rating out of 10

8 -- Pep Guardiola chose to pack the defence with experience and attitude and was rewarded with a tight defensive performance. Further forward his insistence that Sergio Aguero be part of the build-up brought the forward deep in a compelling performance. Left it very late to change things and -- when he was about to bring on Jesus Navas -- was forced instead to deal with an injury to Claudio Bravo.

Player ratings (1-10; 10=best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)

GK Claudio Bravo, 5 -- Only save he had to make all night was self-inflicted, when he patted the ball straight to Henrikh Mkhitaryan. With so little to do, he somehow managed to pull a muscle collecting an innocuous cross and was stretchered off in a wholly fitting finale to a season of ill-fortune and poor form.

DF Pablo Zabaleta, 7 -- Always a welcome face at the start of a match that needs guts and fight. Began with coolness but was soon being beaten for pace by Anthony Martial and required Kompany's assistance to come to terms with the United wide man at times.

DF Aleksandar Kolarov, 6 -- Spicy start against Antonio Valencia and was happy to push forward as United's threat down his flank waned.  

DF Vincent Kompany, 9 -- Excellent shift from the captain, giving the defence a much more solid look about it. Crunching tackles proved there is no lingering fear of recurring injury. An example to all.

DF Nicolas Otamendi, 7 -- Problems with Marcus Rashford's speed through the middle, but kept at it and emerged with credit for some sterling work at the back and a headed effort just deflected over at the other end.     

MF Fernandinho, 8 -- Another busy night for the Brazilian, with a packed United midfield snapping into the tackles all round him. Was instrumental in ferrying the ball clear of United's first line of three but found it difficult to pierce any deeper. 

MF Yaya Toure, 8 -- Never stopped trying to weave his way through the crowded ranks in the middle of the park. Remained an imposing figure right to the end with his steady prompting and patient search for space.

MF Kevin De Bruyne, 7 -- Real signs that the Belgian's confidence is beginning to return. Willing to shoot on sight, swapping sides to support the ailing Leroy Sane and returning to the right to deliver a number of searching balls in from the flank. 

MF Raheem Sterling, 7 -- Little space to work in, but he saw a great deal of the ball as the game went on. Linked promisingly with De Bruyne and switched over towards the end to allow Navas to play on the right.     

MF Leroy Sane, 6 -- Still producing those weaving runs, but appeared overawed for the second game running, leaving passes too short and overhitting others. Disliked the flying tackles and missed Ander Herrera's run at the back post that could have hit City's chances. Replaced by Navas. 

FW, Sergio Aguero, 8 -- Non-stop show without reward. From hitting the outside of the post with City's first chance in the 9thminute to the final chance setting up Gabriel Jesus to head in, he never let up. Happy to shoot, determined in his running and eager to drop back to help bring momentum.

Substitutes

GK Willy Caballero, NR -- Came on for the injured Bravo after 78 minutes and managed just three touches as the game flowed in one direction.

MF Jesus Navas, NR -- Arrived in place of Leroy Sane after 79 minutes and played a strong part in City's late siege on the United goal.

FW Gabriel Jesus, NR - What an impact from the Brazilian, earning a yellow card and almost winning the derby with a near post header ruled out for offside in the space of just 11 minutes.

Source:
courtesy of ESPNFC

by SIMON CURTIS

If you have any stories or news that you would like to share with the global online community, please feel free to share it with us by contacting us directly at [email protected]