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Chris Smalling
This time last month, if you wanted to give a unique view of Chris Smalling's red card foul against Manchester City, you would be perusing the Thesaurus for aeons to find a synonym for 'stupid' that had not been used on social media.
Yet fast forward 30 days and Smalling seems to have bounced back.
Although, Arsenal completely ripped United apart at times last week (without the requisite end product), Smalling was the senior member of an inexperienced back line which held out resolutely and helped Manchester United to victory at the Emirates, with his leadership and communication with Tyler Blackett and Paddy McNair coming in for praise.
The one thing I noted against Hull City was the number of surges he made from centre-back into midfield, committing opposition players towards him.
Perhaps aided by Hull's poor showing and the fact that a naturally deep-lying midfielder like Michael Carrick can drop back to cover, the England international felt secure enough to break the line.
With Angel Di Maria withdrawn early on through injury, having other players break the soccer version of the gain-line was important.
Sunderland
A good ESPN piece by Richard Jolly pointed out how Sunderland helped stop Chelsea in their tracks in the goalless draw at the Stadium of Light.
He explains how full-backs Santiago Vergini and Anthony Reveillere tucked in, thereby stopping inverted wingers Willian and Eden Hazard from cutting inside - while Diego Costa was unable to consequently exploit the channels and dark alleyways he likes to prowl.
In the case of Reveillere, I would like to add an extra point. A right back by trade, he has found himself playing on the opposite side for the Black Cats and as a right-footed left back tucking in towards his stronger side would come naturally rather than moving towards the touchline.
Lee Cattermole was also impressive with five successful tackles in the zone at the edge of his box.
Lee Cattermole's tackles against Chelsea as shown by Squawka.com
In terms of successful dribbles, Willian had far more joy against Reveillere. Hazard attempted three take ons down the left and failed with each one, whereas his Brazilian colleague was successful with all five of his on the right hand edge of the box.
Harry Kane
It is good to see a homegrown player given prominence at his boyhood club regardless of where it takes place in the world.
Tottenham's Harry Kane is a case in point. The player with a Galway-born Dad (he has already ruled out playing for Ireland) was direct against Everton and it paid off.
He attempted eight dribbles and four shots yesterday (more than any other player in both categories) with end product.
One shot saved by Tim Howard led to Christian Eriksen's goal on the rebound, while Roberto Soldado's winner came from one of his surges.
All stats are courtesy of statistics website Squawka. Learn more about Squawka and the free app by clicking here.
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