ALEX ISOE STABILITY AT THE BACK 19 10 2015
Before the season began, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones seemed the obvious central defensive partnership among Manchester United’s ranks.
However, Saturday's trip to Goodison Park saw the England pair start together for the first time this season. I have previously suggested that the partnership of Daley Blind and Chris Smalling should be United's first choice, but with their performance against Everton Jones and Smalling did a good job of stating their case to be United's defence.
The decision was amply rewarded. As always, defensive statistics are unable to tell anything like the full story of a performance, but Jones and Smalling both put up good numbers. Between them they were dominant in the air—five of those clearances were headers, and Jones won five of his six aerial duels. Smalling contributed four interceptions, crucial in breaking up Everton's attacking rhythm.
However, statistics do a poor job of conveying the intangible sense of presence both men provided. Smalling's solid defensive performances no longer come as a surprise, but Jones' apparent calm under pressure was perhaps a little less expected.
United appeared to catch Everton on an off day, admittedly. Roberto Martinez expressed his hope that it was not a response to Howard Kendall's passing, but Goodison Park did feel flat, with little noise coming from the home fans and little goal threat coming from their attack.
Lukaku and Ross Barkley took plenty of shots—nine between them—but were only able to get three on target. They made 13 clearances, nine of which came from inside United's box.
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Before the season began, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones seemed the obvious central defensive partnership among Manchester United’s ranks.
However, Saturday's trip to Goodison Park saw the England pair start together for the first time this season. I have previously suggested that the partnership of Daley Blind and Chris Smalling should be United's first choice, but with their performance against Everton Jones and Smalling did a good job of stating their case to be United's defence.
The decision was amply rewarded. As always, defensive statistics are unable to tell anything like the full story of a performance, but Jones and Smalling both put up good numbers. Between them they were dominant in the air—five of those clearances were headers, and Jones won five of his six aerial duels. Smalling contributed four interceptions, crucial in breaking up Everton's attacking rhythm.
However, statistics do a poor job of conveying the intangible sense of presence both men provided. Smalling's solid defensive performances no longer come as a surprise, but Jones' apparent calm under pressure was perhaps a little less expected.
United appeared to catch Everton on an off day, admittedly. Roberto Martinez expressed his hope that it was not a response to Howard Kendall's passing, but Goodison Park did feel flat, with little noise coming from the home fans and little goal threat coming from their attack.
Lukaku and Ross Barkley took plenty of shots—nine between them—but were only able to get three on target. They made 13 clearances, nine of which came from inside United's box.
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