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.
Man Utd had 10 shots in the opening 30 minutes vs. Leicester:
4 off target
3 on target
3 blockedLetting fly. pic.twitter.com/gWcO7XZJW9
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) August 26, 2017
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.
Paul Pogba in the first half vs. Leicester:
89% pass accuracy
0% shot accuracyShoot on sight policy. pic.twitter.com/LjgBB2nGl6
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) August 26, 2017
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.
1 – Kasper Schmeichel (1) has now saved more Premier League penalties at Old Trafford than Peter Schmeichel (0). Eclipsed. pic.twitter.com/ILSOPPPQBi
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) August 26, 2017
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.
5 – Henrikh Mkhitaryan has equalled the PL record for most assists in his first three apps in a season (5 by Ruel Fox in 1994/95). Creator. pic.twitter.com/snCPKs85wU
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) August 26, 2017
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.
8 of Man Utd’s 10 Premier League goals this season have been scored in the second half.
Biding their time. ⏳ pic.twitter.com/AcytVHVoiN
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) August 26, 2017
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.
Man Utd have won their first three games of the season without conceding a goal for the first time since the 2005/06 season.
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) August 26, 2017
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.
14 – @ManUtd will spend their 14th night at the top of the PL table in 2017/18 – the same as in 2015/16 and 2016/17 combined (14). Devilish. pic.twitter.com/WkEQYo6jH0
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) August 26, 2017