Data supplied by the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. Select and manage your own team of stars at http://fantasy.premierleague.com/ or with FIFA Ultimate Team for FIFA 14.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s return to Old Trafford wasn’t a happy one as his Cardiff side went down 2-0 to the Champions.
Cardiff may have succumbed to a 2-0 defeat, but they were impressive at times throughout the match, boasting more possession than the champions – something that doesn’t happen too often at Old Trafford. This was, in part, down to the performance of central midfielder Peter Whittingham who completed a total of 29 passes in the opposition half.
Craig Bellamy may have reached the ripe old age of 34, but he is continuing to show his timeless class. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he made a total of 25 attacking contributions (based on passes in the opposition half, crosses, dribbles and shots on target). This was the third most in the Cardiff squad. Bellamy is 37/13 to score at any time with 888sport.com
Steven Caulker has had a wonderful season for Cardiff, and must be considered an outside contender for the World Cup this Summer. His tackling has been a highlight, as so far this season he has won a stunning 83% of the challenges that he has attempted.
One of Solskjaer’s first moves in this month’s transfer window has been to bring in striker Kenwyne Jones to add some much needed firepower. It is unsurprising to see why the Norwegian was so keen to bring in his man, as the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index demonstrates that no Cardiff player has hit the target with more than 50% of their efforts.
Nowich held Newcastle to a draw in their match at Carrow Road on Tuesday, producing the sort of gutsy performance that they’ll need to stay in the league.
Sebastien Bassong was integral to Norwich’s rearguard effort, producing an imperious performance against his former club. The EA SPORTS Player Performance shows that he made a total of 16 defensive contributions (based on clearances, blocks, interceptions and tackles won). This was the most in the Canaries squad.
However, to simply focus on Bassong would be doing a disservice to fellow centre back Ryan Bennett. The former Ipswich trainee made a total of 10 clearances – the fourth most in the league.
Robert Snodgrass has quickly established himself as a first team regular at Carrow Road since his arrival from Leeds, and impressed so much that he was voted their second best player last term. Operating on the wing, Snodgrass’ strength isn’t his dribbling ability, but his pinpoint crossing, and so far this campaign he has swung in a total of 19 crosses – the fourth most in the league. Snodgrass is an industry best 5/1 with 888sport.com to score at any time on Saturday.
It’s a real positive for Norwich that working in tandem with Snodgrass, they have electric winger Nathan Redmond on the other flank. ‘Keeper John Ruddy has recently stated that believes the former Birmingham man can force his way into Roy Hodgson’s plans this Summer, and looking at the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, it looks as if his dribbling would be a useful addition in Brazil. So far this season, Redmond has completed 32 dribbles – the most in the Norwich squad.