Teaming up with Asahi Super Dry 0.0%, Opta Analyst has helped create limited-edition, data-inspired scarves that capture the biggest moments from two iconic recent Manchester derbies.
This weekend sees the first men’s Manchester derby of the season, as Manchester City host rivals Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
In the lead up to one of English football’s most fabled fixtures, Opta Analyst has teamed up with Asahi Super Dry 0.0% to create a limited-edition collection of ‘Derby Day’ scarves, uniquely inspired by two of the most memorable derbies of recent years across the men’s and women’s game.
Using a collection of Opta match data from across the games, the two scarves have unique designs with each stitch bringing to life a key stat from the matches, including possession, shots, goals and key incidents.
The scarves are available in two different versions – each of which brings to life City’s biggest derby wins. The first is based on their sensational 6-1 Premier League away win at Old Trafford back in October 2011, with the second using data from City’s 3-0 victory over the Red Devils in the Women’s Super League back in February 2021.
The Derby Day Scarves, which have been unveiled to mark Asahi Super Dry 0.0%’s sponsorship of the current Premier League champions, will exclusively be available at Asahi Super Dry 0.0%’s The Cityzens’ Arms, giving fans the chance to wear a piece of history.
Taking over The Waldorf on Gore Street, The Cityzens’ Arms has been designed to celebrate the crisp, refreshing taste of Asahi Super Dry 0.0% and the heritage of Manchester City Football Club.
Here, we go into more detail on both City wins, adding some context to the data that helped craft the scarf designs.
Manchester United 1-6 Manchester City
Premier League – 23 October 2011
Manchester City equalled their biggest ever Manchester derby victory with a 6-1 thrashing of United at Old Trafford in October 2011.
Their only previous derby win against Man Utd in all competitions that saw them score six goals came back in January 1926. Eighty-five years later, they did it again.
Goals from Mario Balotelli (2), Edin Dzeko (2), Sergio Agüero and David Silva saw City move five points clear at the top of the Premier League and end United’s unbeaten start to the 2011-12 season.
In a match remembered by some for Balotelli’s now-famous celebration when he revealed a “Why Always Me?” shirt, City attempted 22 shots – more than any other away team had taken at Old Trafford in six years.
It was a close game until Balotelli added his and City’s second goal on the hour-mark, but with United down to 10 men following Jonny Evans’ 47th-minute red card, Roberto Mancini’s side began to run riot. Three of their six goals came in the 89th-minute or later, as City went on to pile more misery on the home crowd.
Amazingly, Alex Ferguson took charge of 725 competitive home games for Man Utd during his 27-year tenure at the club, but the only game he lost by four or more goals was this one.
This 6-1 home defeat to their rivals had dire consequences down the line, as United went on to lose the Premier League title to City on goal difference, with eight goals eventually separating the sides.
Manchester City 3-0 Manchester United
Women’s Super League – 12 February 2021
Manchester City secured their biggest WSL victory over rivals United in February 2021, in what was just the third meeting between the pair in the competition.
Defender Lucy Bronze volleyed in the opening goal following a City corner to give them the lead in the 23rd minute, before Lauren Hemp’s deflected strike went in off the crossbar to make it 2-0 on 71 minutes.
The scoring was completed with six minutes remaining, when Caroline Weir scored the pick of the goals, chipping over United goalkeeper Mary Earps from just inside the box.
This goal was one of three WSL goals that Weir has scored against United. No player has scored more goals in Manchester derbies in the WSL, with only Khadija Shaw scoring as many as the Scottish midfielder.
With this victory, Man City moved about United in the WSL table and that was where they stayed.
This was City’s seventh successive WSL victory – a run that eventually extended to 12 wins in a row, which at the time equalled a competition record. It wasn’t enough to see them collect the league title, however. Chelsea eventually pipped City to the crown by two points.
Subscribe to our football newsletter to receive exclusive weekly content. You can also follow our social accounts over on X, Instagram, TikTok and Facebook.
