The two Manchester clubs are level on points at the top of the Premier League - but which team is statistically superior?

City are only ahead in the table because they have scored one goal more than United, and both teams are already five points clear of nearest challengers Tottenham.

Jose Mourinho's side have made the most of a comparatively softer fixture list - they are yet to face a top-10 team this season - while City just beat defending champions Chelsea 1-0 at Stamford Bridge.

Gary Neville told Sky Sports: "You would have said, from the fixtures, United should have been at the top at this stage, but I think the table will start to even out once we see them against tougher sides.

"I did say at the start of the season that the title would end up in Manchester and the evidence so far supports that, but it's far too early for either club to get carried away."

In an effort to help separate the two rivals, we have broken them down by position group to look at their respective stats...

GOALKEEPERS

Both 'keepers have conceded just twice, with David de Gea shipping two in United's 2-2 draw at Stoke. He has otherwise kept clean sheets in every league game and Neville believes he's one of the best in the world.

The Sky Sports expert said: "If you look at United, you saw them make mistakes at Stoke and there were chances for Everton, but ultimately the weaknesses they have shown at the back are covered by a goalkeeper who is absolutely world class."

City summer signing Ederson has impressed in his debut season in English football, showcasing smart shot-stopping (85 per cent save percentage) and impressive distribution (84 per cent passing accuracy).

DEFENDERS

Eric Bailly and Phil Jones has been Mourinho's preferred partnership, while City have typically gone with John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi.

Stuart Pearce was particularly impressed by City's defensive display at Chelsea, telling Premier League Daily: "City put a marker down on Saturday to the whole footballing world and said we're serious contenders now.

"Some of the questions marks you put against City in the times gone by: the goalkeeping scenario, the defence looking a bit shaky - all of those things I think they answered at Stamford Bridge."

United's defence has often been the busier of the two, making more clearances and interceptions than their rivals.

FULL-BACKS

City spent £126m to sign three full-backs over the summer - Kyle Walker, Benjamin Mendy and Danilo. Walker was the most expensive at £50m but Don Goodman says it's looking money well spent at this stage.

"A few eyebrows were raised when they spent big money on Walker but he's certainly one of the best attacking full-backs in world football," he told Sky Sports News.

Pep Guardiola wants his full-backs to get forward and the early returns have been very good. City have four assists and 13 chances created from the position, far superior to rivals United.

Mourinho's approach is more defensive and United are strong at right-back, where captain Antonio Valencia has been consistently good, but concerns remain over their long-term solution at left-back.

MIDFIELDERS

United's midfielders have chipped in with more goals than City and their defensive axis - led by summer signing Nemanja Matic - has made more interceptions.

Marouane Fellaini has also emerged as a key player under Mourinho, who describes the Belgian as "very important" to his United plans.

To underline that fact, the former Everton midfielder already has three goals in six league appearances this season.

When he plays with Matic and Paul Pogba it means United tower above their opponents in this area of the pitch, while City's tempo is dictated by David Silva and Kevin De Bruyne.

City's midfielders have contributed just two goals between them but Guardiola's style of play ensures the league leaders top the charts for passes completed and passing accuracy.

Goodman added: "There are different ways of winning football matches and these two clubs do it differently in midfield. The proof will be in the pudding at the end of the season."

FORWARDS

Both teams have averaged at least three goals per game through seven matches, an impressive achievement.

City, led by the now injured Sergio Aguero, have a better conversion percentage and create more chances.

They also have contributors across the front line thanks to five goals from Raheem Sterling, four from Gabriel Jesus and three from Leroy Sane.

But United striker Romelu Lukaku leads the way atop the overall Premier League scoring chart, with seven goals from 15 shots on target.

Goodman added: "Aguero is the best out-and-out striker in the world. Romelu Lukaku has the potential to be the best but he needs to keep doing what he's doing to get there.

"He is a predatory striker - different to Aguero in terms of stature - but the end result is the same."

Which Manchester club has impressed you the most so far this season? Tweet us @SkySportsPL or leave a comment below...

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