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The stats behind Pogba's Everton masterclass

by
Mark Froggatt
Wednesday 03 January 2018 10:52

Paul Pogba was voted Manchester United's Man of the Match by supporters on Twitter, following a powerful and influential display in the 2-0 Premier League win over Everton at Goodison Park.

The France international set up goals for Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard during an impressive second-half performance from Jose Mourinho’s Reds.

A dynamic force in midfield, Pogba dictated the tempo of the game for long periods and was the catalyst behind the crucial victory at the start of 2018.

POGBA’S MATCH STATS

Paul now has seven Premier League assists this season – an average of one every 149 minutes he's played – while he completed 51 of his 61 passes and had 81 touches of the ball during the game.

Pogba, who has worn the captain's armband for the last four league games in the absence of Antonio Valencia and Michael Carrick, ran the show with his vision, passing and movement.

As well as setting up both goals for compatriot Martial and fellow Academy graduate Lingard, the 24-year-old had four shots of his own and hit the target once. From his position on the left side of a midfield three, his influence was clear to see and five chances were created from his ingenuity. 

Attacking is not the only part of Paul’s game, however, and the combative former Juventus man duly put in a shift to help his defensive team-mates.

Have a look at his vital match stats...

 

MAN OF THE MATCH

Pogba was the overwhelming winner of our Man of the Match poll, claiming 80 per cent of votes, with fellow nominees Lingard (12 per cent) and Luke Shaw (eight per cent) finishing behind him.

Reflecting on the win and his own performance, Pogba said afterwards: "It was the first game of the year and a good 2-0 win. We had chances, we played aggressively but in a positive way, creating chances and defensively we were very good. It was a very good team performance.

"I moved a bit more forwards in the second half and we did a good job. Both goals are lovely goals, the performance of the team was great, we could create more chances. If you don't shoot you cannot score. We are United – if you draw it is a problem, we just want to win."

HIGHLIGHTS

MUTV analyst and former United player Danny Webber has picked out Pogba as his star man from the New Year’s Day win at Goodison Park.

"Paul was playing in a very advanced role and was always trying to get on the ball," says Webber. "He picked up a lot of possession on the left-hand side and that's where his two assists came from, for Martial and Lingard.

"He was that good that the cameraman even followed his celebration, even when he didn't score the goal! It was a top-class performance from Pogba."

Watch Pogba's best bits against Everton in the video below...

Analysis: Why Pogba was vital at Everton Video

Analysis: Why Pogba was vital at Everton

MUTV's Danny Webber highlights how Paul was central to the New Year's Day victory on Merseyside.

ANALYSIS

ManUtd.com's Mark Froggatt...

"Pogba has been unfairly questioned by outsiders ever since his transfer back to United, mainly for his colourful haircuts, elaborate celebrations and flamboyant personality, but United fans who watch him week in, week out, know exactly how important he is to the team.

"It took him a while to settle, yes, but he finished the 2016/17 season strongly and has flourished alongside summer signing Nemanja Matic this campaign. The Serbian's presence in front of the defence has allowed Paul to focus more on creating, and they've formed a powerful partnership thus far. Paul's recent absences, due to injury and suspension, only highlighted his value to the Reds."

SOCIAL MEDIA REACTION

Check out some of the posts from Twitter...

 

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