STATS: Liverpool’s Shelvey their hardest worker and Manchester United’s Carrick plays more than anyone
Liverpool v Man Utd 13:30
– A second half equaliser from Luis Suarez granted Liverpool a point away to Sunderland, in a week full of emotion for their fans following the revelations surrounding the Hillsborough disaster earlier in the week. Raheem Sterling continued to impress as he provided the greatest threat for the Reds, with Steven Gerrard and Glen Johnson also having near misses in front of goal.
– Brendan Rogers hailed the influence of Luis Suarez following Liverpool’s draw with Sunderland. However the Uruguayan may be looking for even greater sharpness in his play given that he ranks first on the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index for shots off target this season with 12.
– Suarez would do well to control his temper in his defensive work in the coming weeks. He tops the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index for yellow cards with 3 and is the only striker in the top ten.
– Up and coming midfielder Jonjo Shelvey was the hardest working player from either side away to Sunderland last weekend, covering 6.16 miles.
– Joe Allen has continued his quick adaptation to life on Merseyside and has already become a central figure in Brendan Rogers’ midfield. He’s received the ball a total of 211 times in Liverpool’s opening matches, a club-leading figure.
– Allen is also third overall in the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index for distance covered with 25.22 miles, having covered more ground than any other Liverpool player in three of his four games for the club
– Alongside Allen in midfield, Steven Gerrard again proved what a pivotal figure he can be for Liverpool. According to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, he successfully completed 42 passes in the opponent’s half and 3 crosses against Sunderland.
– A midfield masterclass from the seemingly ageless Paul Scholes was the catalyst behind a thumping 4-0 win at home for Man Utd against Wigan. After weathering an early storm of defensive hounding by Wigan, second half goals from Scholes, Javier Hernandez and impressive debutants Alexander Buttner and Nick Powell ensured a convincing win for Utd.
– Even at 37, Paul Scholes continues to provide an incredibly effective return for the time he spends on the pitch. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index rates him passing game very highly, with only 2 minutes and 14 seconds between each of his successful passes in the opponent’s half so far this season.
– Debutant Alexander Buttner is clearly keen to show Man Utd boss Sir Alex Ferguson that he can do more than just deputise for Patrice Evra. He was Utd’s second fastest player against Wigan after being clocked at 19.84mph.
– Michael Carrick continues to quietly go about his work in the midfield for Man Utd this season making it easy to see why he’s played more minutes that any other Man Utd player this season with 390. He covered more ground than any other United player last weekend against Wigan, working hard for 6.39 miles.
– The ever-reliable Antonio Valencia has continued with his steadfast level of performance this season. He’s made 55 successful passes in the attacking third, more than any other Man Utd player.