It wasn’t the most exciting Manchester Derby in history, and the run-up to the match was lacking in hype, but the end result may have turned United’s season completely around.
Manchester United defeated their noisy neighbors Manchester City 1-0 yesterday to move just one point behind the Citizens for the final, crucial top four slot. (Here is a link to some of the better Tweets from the match) United still remain behind West Ham though due to goal differential.
Nevertheless, the Red Devils are very much alive now in a newly invigorated season that could have been left for dead had they dropped points in this one.
United Manager Louis van Gaal said after the victory that Man United have “a big chance” of finishing in the top four and that doing so is “in their hands.” So what is a big chance when quantified by statistical analysts?
According to ESPN FC’s Soccer Power Index, Man City have a 59% of finishing in the top four. Man United have SPI top four of 29%, while West Ham United are 16%. All three clubs vying for that final fourth spot have played 30 games.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network. and News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, currently contributes regularly to the Chicago Tribune’s RedEye publication and Bold Global.
He also consistently appears on numerous talk shows all across the country. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram