LONDON — Some 137 years ago, Karl Benz invented the first gasoline-fueled automobile. Hot on the heels of that, the two major clubs of Manchester began their intercity derby contests that, to this day, rank near the top of what matters in English soccer.
Alas, the 170th Mancunian derby proved to be a goalless tactical shutout that was as barren as any in that long history. Manchester City actually crept back atop the Premier League standings, by virtue of having a better goal difference than Arsenal, but that is the one meager achievement wrung out of Sunday’s game at Old Trafford.