[gulli_G]

I've never really understood why he gets so much stick.

If he wasn't injury prone he'd be the best defender in the league by now imo.

not with his clumsy control that led to the equaliser

 

[scorgasm]

Been impressed with him tonight. Looked a lot more composed, dealt with Diouf well and been decent in the air. Just looked all around more confident. Certainly not a flawless performance but a lot better.

 

[Pogue Mahone]

not with his clumsy control that led to the equaliser

Eh? That was a tackle.

 

[Nickosaur]

not with his clumsy control that led to the equaliser

You are why we can't have nice things

 

[Sammyjunn]

Another great performance by him, the goal wasnt his fault even one but, just unfortunate. His distribution was perfect.

 

[DWelbz19]

Another top performance keeping another pacey and strong forward at bay. Things got a little hazy in the last 4 minutes, but he did very well overall. My MOTM (ignoring Young and De Gea's brillance at the end) and his composure was fantastic.

 

[TwoSheds]

Class again. MotM for me.

 

[NinjaFletch]

He's brilliant.

 

[Crackers]

Absolutely fantastic performance today. I can't say much now as I'm still shaking.

 

[sizzling sausages]

Dealt really well with a tough opponent in Diouf. Good to see him full of confidence.

 

[Van Piorsing]

I don't recognize him. Van Gaal reprogrammed him completely.

Even passing looks better and more precise.

 

[Sam]

Another monster display. Thats two in a row.

Nothing beats him in the air.

 

[Lawman]

Another top performance keeping another pacey and strong forward at bay. Things got a little hazy in the last 4 minutes, but he did very well overall. My MOTM (ignoring Young and De Gea's brillance at the end) and his composure was fantastic.

agree 100%

 

[Kag]

Massive fan of Smalling so I'll get a little picky. He's jumping under the ball way too much for my liking. Needs to work on his timing because, when he does, he'll be largely unbeatable in the air.

 

[Black Adder]

He'll only get better.

 

[Ish]

Another monster display. Thats two in a row.

Nothing beats him in the air.

3 in a row surely? (Arsenal away).

 

[Sammyjunn]

Massive fan of Smalling so I'll get a little picky. He's jumping under the ball way too much for my liking. Needs to work on his timing because, when he does, he'll be largely unbeatable in the air.

Noticed this too, it has declined a bit it seems, he has always been an aerial beast.

 

[DanNistelrooy]

I've not seen him look this confident since 2010/11 times, looking very assured.

 

[KiD MoYeS]

Good performance again, long may it continue.

 

[Amethyst]

I also gave him MoTM, great performance and looks much more composed on the ball recently.

 

[Mark_GrumpyLion]

Is this the point where we can say that he turned the corner? I think he did. excellent game.

 

[Sam]

3 in a row surely? (Arsenal away).

Very true!

 

[Trizy]

He's making me eat my words after the City game, he maybe no where near world class yet but that wasn't far away from being a world class performance.

 

[Feed Me]

Him and Rojo looked as though they're building a nice understanding. Both played with real confidence tonight. Save about 5 minutes of the entire game, we looked totally comfortable defensively.

 

[Devil may care]

He was excellent against Cheslea, fecked up huge vs City and since he has come back he has looked to make himself the CB boss and is doing a fine job.

 

[ADJUDICATOR]

He was basically playing close to this before the City game.

 

[kps88]

He was immense tonight against giants. Shame he's going to get injured now that Evans is due back.

 

[Ryan7]

Excellent tonight. Desperately hope, for once, he keeps fit.

 

[ottosec]

Man, this guy, I dunno what to think... Immense defender but at times also a shocking footballer. There are times that he can't seem to do the simple things like control the ball properly. Probably down to the fact that he didn't have professional coaching until he was 20, I'm sure he will improve.

Great performance form him today, tho.

 

[Sammyjunn]

He plays with such urgence, really great to see and looks like a leader.

 

[ADJUDICATOR]

Man, this guy, I dunno what to think... Immense defender but at times also a shocking footballer. There are times that he can't seem to do the simple things like control the ball properly. Probably down to the fact that he didn't have professional coaching until he was 20, I'm sure he will improve.

Great performance form him today, tho.

No. Smalling's lack of technique on the ball has never been decisively costly like Vidic's. He gets a lot of undue stick for it here probably because of his frame and the way he looks on the ball. He's sound enough to be a top centre half.

 

[Browniee]

Hope he keeps its up, playing fantastic right now

 

[ZDwyr]

He was my MOTM. Was close between him and Dave but Smalling gave Diouf nothing all night. Unlucky with the goal as he couldn't sort his feet out. Our best defender though.

 

[Roman Bellic]

Looking like the player we have been expecting him to be for years,since the city game... just hope i don't jinx it

 

[The White Pele]

Fantastic response from him since the City game, exactly the reaction you would hope to see. In Jones' and Evans' absence he is emerging as the leader at the back.

 

[m1y2]

Massive fan of Smalling so I'll get a little picky. He's jumping under the ball way too much for my liking. Needs to work on his timing because, when he does, he'll be largely unbeatable in the air.

yes he is but still his height and spring makes it up for him. He is best in the air because of his spring. His best highlight was when he saved us in 85th minute when Crouch was approaching to the box and there was a wicked cross bent to the box from their wide player I believe arnautovic..

 

[acnumber9]

He was my MOTM. Was close between him and Dave but Smalling gave Diouf nothing all night. Unlucky with the goal as he couldn't sort his feet out. Our best defender though.

Is that your nickname for Ashley Young? You couldn't seriously think De Gea was almost the best player on the pitch. Surely?

 

[ZDwyr]

Is that your nickname for Ashley Young? You couldn't seriously think De Gea was almost the best player on the pitch. Surely?

Young was close too, I just forgot to mention him. I gave them all 8s.

 

[Thisistheone]

He's top drawer, if he could just stay fit!

Brilliant form since the red card.

 

[Walters_19_MuFc]

If he stays fit, I see no reason why he can't become one of the best centre backs in the league.

Another great display from him tonight.