'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
#2 Hit: Shane Duffy
The Irish centre-half – who played all but one league game for Brighton last season – had his task cut out when his veteran partner at the back, Lewis Dunk, was forced off midway through the first half with a foot injury. It was a big blow for the Seagulls, as Dunk’s withdrawal paved the way for the introduction of Nigerian summer signing Leon Balagun.
In Dunk’s absence, the responsibility of handling the organization of the defence fell on Duffy’s shoulders and the 26-year-old didn’t disappoint. He put in a valiant effort himself, keeping a stranglehold on Romelu Lukaku while also blocking balls arriving through the middle with relative comfort as compared to the dismal defending at the other end.
He was a leader in defence, keeping the back four tight during brief spells of United pressure. His goal to put the hosts two-up was his first in his Premier League career and thoroughly deserved for an excellent show of concentration in defence.
