Paul Pogba needs target practice - Seven deadly stats from Man United's 2-0 win over Leicester

Aditya Devavrat 09:00 27/08/2017
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  • Manchester United’s perfect start to the Premier League season continued on Saturday as they ran out 2-0 winners over Leicester City.

    Despite a goalless first half and a missed penalty, it seemed as if it was only a matter of time before United would score and then move onto a third straight victory. Substitutes Marcus Rashford and Marouane Fellaini scored to stamp United’s dominance.

    Here are seven deadly stats from United’s win.

    UNITED LAY SIEGE FROM THE START

    With Leicester City having arrived at Old Trafford with a clear strategy of defending deep and trying to frustrate their hosts, United duly took the invitation to be on the front foot and lay siege to the Foxes’ goal.

    They even had the ball in the back of the net, only for Juan Mata’s strike to be chalked off by a tight offside call, and Mata later drew a stunning save from City keeper Kasper Schmeichel.

    POGBA NEEDS SHOOTING PRACTICE

    During United’s early barrage, Paul Pogba seemed to take it upon himself to breach the Leicester defence, as he tried to test Schmeichel with shot after shot. He came close with one effort, but ultimately, not a single one was on target.

    KASPER SCHMEICHEL’S PENALTY SAVE

    Schmeichel’s save from Mata wasn’t the only stunning save he had to make to keep United at bay. When the home side were awarded a penalty for a Danny Simpson handball, the Leicester City keeper was at his alert best to deny Romelu Lukaku from the spot.

    Although that was Schmeichel’s first penalty save in the Premier League since 2007, the keeper actually has some recent form on stopping spot-kicks – he’s now saved three of the last five penalties he’s faced in all competitions for the Foxes.

    It also let him get one over his dad, United legend Peter Schmeichel. 

    MKHITARYAN CREATING GOALS FOR FUN

    Henrikh Mkhitaryan started the season with two assists in each of his first two games, but narrowly missed out on setting a new record by tallying two assists in three straight games.

    Nonetheless, when his corner kick was converted by Rashford for United’s opener, the Armenian hit a mark that has only been recorded once before in Premier League history.

    UNITED’S SECOND-HALF FLOURISH

    In their first two games this season, United went into halftime 1-0 up, before winning 4-0 both times. That lethal second-half form carried into this game, with Fellaini’s goal ensuring the Red Devils would pick up another win.

    CLEAN START TO THE SEASON

    While ten goals in three games is definite cause for celebration, United’s form at the back has also been stellar. Not only are they yet to concede a league goal, they’ve also rarely looked threatened, with the defence putting in solid performances three games in a row.

    There are tougher tests to come, but for a manager who prides himself on his teams’ defensive records, Jose Mourinho will no doubt quietly be happy with three clean sheets in a row.

    UNITED ENJOYING LIFE AT THE TOP

    Clearly, it’s far too early to be talking about the title, although United have at least established themselves as realistic contenders for the league crown.

    Especially when compared to the last two seasons, this year’s edition looks like a stronger, more settled team, and they’re surely enjoying what has recently been an unfamiliar position for them – top of the table.

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