Manchester City could have the title edge over bitter rivals Manchester United as they continue to dispel an age-old football myth.
Football fans often write teams off once they go down to 10-men and with referees stricter than ever this season, it doesn’t bode well.
But Manchester City have dispelled that longstanding football myth with an impressive historical record when they go down to 10 men, showing great mental strength – albeit after some indiscipline.
That’s because Pep Guardiola’s title favourites boast an impressive 70% win rate when they go down to 10, ranking them as the most successful Premier League club in the last five years after a sending off.
The findings, from betting aggregator Bet-BonusCode.co.uk, also revealed that the Cityzens have the best scoring record when a man down.
In nine of the 10 games which saw a City player receive a red card, the Manchester club still scored another goal after their numbers were reduced.
In addition, City have had the earliest dismissal while still going on to win a game after Vincent Kompany’s sending off just 10 minutes into their game against Hull City during the 2013/14 season – a game they went on to win 2-0.
By contrast, the research, which looked at every red card given in a Premier League fixture over the last five years, found that cross-city rival Manchester United have a poor record after seeing red.
They have failed to score following 12 sending offs over the last five years and Watford were also unable to find the net when they were a man light during eight games.
Whatever way you dress it up if the title is a straight battle – as is predicted – between the two Manchester clubs then City’s formidable record against the odds bodes well for Guardiola’s side.
The Red Devils have looked an impressive unit as Jose Mourinho continues to work his second season magic.
United have goals in abundance and are solid at the back but are yet to be truly tested in adversity as yet this season.
Top 5 clubs with 10 men over the last 5 Premier League seasons:
- Man City – 70% win rate across 10 games
- Arsenal – 44% 18 games
- Everton – 38% 13 games
- Liverpool – 33% 9 games
- QPR – 33% 6 games
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