West Ham United ace Daly tops defensive stats in defeat to Manchester United

West Ham United’s Rachel Daly topped the defensive statistics in her side’s 4-2 defeat to Manchester United on Sunday despite playing in an advanced role.

The 28-year-old was fielded in an attacking position on the left but her defensive qualities were on display throughout as she proved to be an asset in several areas of the pitch when it came to breaking up the play and getting into the faces of opposing players.

Daly made five tackles in the match, more than any other player on the pitch. She came out on top in three of those duels, that’s one better than second-best West Ham United tackler Gilly Flaherty and Manchester United trio Leah Galton, Jackie Groenen and Amy Turner.

Only Millie Turner attempted as many tackles in the defensive third as Daly’s three while her three-tackle tally in the middle of the park was only equalled by Ella Toone.

Daly and Groenen both ended two dribbles but the latter failed to prevent five other opposition dribbles meaning that the West Ham United player had a success rate 71.4% greater than Manchester United’s Dutch international.

While Daly was impressive without the ball, she was just as effective when in possession with the player involved in both of The Hammers’ goals. She provided Emily van Egmond for West Ham United’s first goal before getting on the scoresheet herself in the second half. Her five completed attacking dribbles were more than any other player while she carried the ball forward further than any of her teammates (158 yards).

It’s fair to say it was a great all-round performance from the Houston Dash loanee with Daly maybe not deserving to be on the losing side given her high level of play.

Statistics: FBREF

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Daniel Pentland

I am the editor and owner of the WSL Full-Time brand which I launched in 2018.

I am an accredited journalist with the FWA, SJA and AIPS. I have reported from various levels of men’s and women’s elite football since 2016.

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