Dejan Kulusevski recorded an impressive stat in Tottenham’s 3-0 win at Old Trafford on Sunday, which has not been done by any player for over two decades.
Tottenham’s statement performance
While the game on Sunday was billed as a clash between two managers under pressure the reality was that, in terms of performance, one side had been much superior so far this season.
The chasm between the two sides was clear to see on Sunday, with Tottenham sending a clear statement with the way they dominated proceedings from start to finish at Old Trafford. The Red Devils struggled to even enter Spurs’ half for much of the game.
The away side were superior in every part of the pitch and in the end, the 3-0 scoreline actually flattered Erik Ten Hag’s men.
Kulusevski the unsung hero
While the likes of Micky van de Ven, James Maddison, Dominic Solanke and Brennan Johnson have rightfully been praised after the game, one Tottenham man’s performance has gone a bit under the radar.
Kulusevski delivered a typically tireless display, hustling and hurrying the United midfielders and defenders, hardly giving them any time on the ball.
The Swede scored the goal that sealed the result at the start of the second half, producing a lovely finish by acrobatically poking the ball past Andre Onana.
The 24-year-old was also Tottenham’s creator-in-chief, helping the home side create chance after chance with his lovely interplay outside the United box.
In fact, according to BBC Sport, Kulusevski has created a record for chances created by any opposition player at Old Trafford for the past 21 years.
The former Juventus man created nine chances in total, which is the most any visiting player in a Premier League game at Old Trafford since the 2003-04 season.
Kulusevski a transformed player
Kulusevski has had his fair share of critics over the last two seasons and there were always doubts over whether he is a good fit for the wide role in Postecoglou’s system.
However, every time he has played through the middle as a number eight or a number ten, the Swede has looked extremely dangerous and has had a major influence on matches.
On the back of the performances he has delivered recently, there is no doubt that Kulusevski has found a new home in the heart of Postecoglou’s midfield.