Some takeaways from the fbref match report;
Horrific balance of chance creation. Not just the xG (2.4 vs 0.5) but also the shots underline how one-sided the game was in terms of chance creation. United had two early opportunities (Garnacho at 11 mins, 0.1 xG and Wan-Bissaka in the 13th, 0.03 xG). The next 18 shot attempts were Newcastle, before Maguire got our next in the 63rd minute (0.03 xG, header off target). All of our remaining 5 shot attempts was from the 82nd minutes and out, with Antony's blocked shot by far the best chance (0.2 xG).
Bruno carried the load. It's not often you see an attacker dominate the stats to this extent, which was also clearly visible during the game, first half especially. Second in touches (which usually is dominated by defenders), with 60. Most touches (16) in the opposing 1/3, but none in the PA (but then the whole team had only 12, against 39 for Newcastle). Most completed passes (42), again a category normally dominated by defenders. 13 progressive passes, which is more than half of the team total, 10 more than anyone else on United, and also more than any Newcastle player. Interestingly, a team-best 37 carries, of which only 1 was progressive. 4 take-on attempts, split lead with Garnacho. 6 passes into the opposing 1/3, 3 more than anyone else on United. Made our only two passes into the opposing box. Led the team in recovery of loose balls (9).
Another good one for Mainoo, again as told by eye test - but also indicative of how focused his game is on moving the ball through passing. 3rd in completed passes, best completion % (92.1%). 4 clearances (tied for 3rd). 43 touches (tied for 6th). All of which needs bearing in mind that he was substituted, which takes his numbers down compared to those who weren't.
On the other hand, no tackles, no blocks, no interceptions, no take-ons, no progressive carries, lost both his aerial duels.
Just how poor were Rashford and Martial?
- 0 shots,
- 21 and 17 touches, which is not only 10th and 11th on United, but also less than half that of any Newcastle outfield player.
- 0 tackles, interceptions or blocks
- 0.0 xG, xA or xAG
- 0 shot-creating actions
- 0 progressive passes, or into the opposing PA, or into the attacking 1/3
- 0 key passes
- 0 touches in the opposing penalty area
- 2 progressive carries for Martial, 0 for Rashford
- 2 takes-ons for Rashford (1 successful), 1 failed for Martial.
- Passes completed; 11 and 9, 10th and 11th best on United and again less than half that of any Newcastle outfield player.
- Pass completion; 61.1% for Rashford (second-worst on team), 69.2% for Martial (8th)
- 8 and 5 touches respectively in the attacking 1/3, which is tied for 5th and 10th respectively on United. The only Newcastle player with fewer is Lascelles.
- Progressive passes received: 2 and 1. Garnacho received 7.