Man Utd 0 - Man City 0: Pellegrini's side reclaim top spot off Arsenal in goalless draw

Manchester City return to top of the Premier League table

MANCHESTER CITY have returned to the top of the Premier League by drawing 0-0 away to Manchester United in a disappointing local derby.

 

United and City had the chance to make a real statement about their title chances by registering a big win, but neither was up to the challenge and the two teams played out just the third goalless draw between them in Premier League history.

City have 22 points and go top thanks to a superior goal difference over Arsenal as United remain two points behind in fourth place.

Louis van Gaal's side came closest to a goal when Jesse Lingard came off the bench to hit the bar six minutes from the end.

 

Jesse Lingard thought he won the game for Manchester United before his shot hit the crossbar

Wayne Rooney failed to mark his first match as a 30-year-old with a goal. The United captain, who needed his head stapling together after a clash of heads with Vincent Kompany, was anonymous throughout.

The visitors had won six of the previous eight league derbies, but like the home side found chances hard to come by this time.

Wilfried Bony was unable to fill the considerable void left by Sergio Aguero's absence while Yaya Toure had a day to forget playing in the number 10 role where the injured David Silva usually causes so much damage.