Henrikh Mkhitaryan appeared to have a quiet game for Manchester United against Everton in Sunday’s 4-0 victory, before scoring late on.
However, his stats proved to be excellent as the Armenian continues a good start to the season.
Mkhitaryan has now assisted five times and scored once for Man United in the opening five Premier League games of the new campaign.
Mkhitaryan’s game by numbers vs. Everton:
1 goal
2 key passes
36 final 3rd passes
4 dribbles
6 tackles
50% win rate
The 28-year-old has frustrated some United fans with his wastefulness in possession and seemingly also frustrated manager José Mourinho. After the Reds’ 3-0 win against FC Basel, Mourinho lamented the “PlayStation football” played by certain players, perhaps directed at Mkhitaryan.
However, statistically, Mkhitaryan has been one of the best players in the country and continues to prove undroppable even though his decision-making has sometimes been questionable.
The stats he is currently producing are similar to those during his electric 2015/16 season at Borussia Dortmund. That year he finished with 11 goals and 15 assists in 31 Bundesliga appearances.
A return of that ilk will make Mkhitaryan one of the best attacking midfielders in England. United have missed a player with the quality to produce the final ball with regularity in the past few years, if Mkhitaryan can continue this form, that will no longer be an issue.
And with Romelu Lukaku in stunning goalscoring form – the Belgian has scored seven goals in seven games – Mkhitaryan has the striker to finish his chances.