IT’S been said there are lies, damned lies and statistics but this one can be trusted.
Lucas Leiva continued his excellent form this season with an assured display in Monday night’s demolition of Manchester City.
According to the Opta stats, the Brazilian has made more tackles in the Premier League this season than any other player. His eight challenges on Monday took his total for the campaign to 139 – 18 clear of second-placed David Vaughan of Blackpool.
Only Martin Skrtel and Pepe Reina have played more games than Lucas this season. The long-term contract he penned last month was reward for the rapid progress he has made over the past 18 months after a difficult start to his Anfield career.
The efforts of Lucas and the impressive Jay Spearing in the middle of the park were one of the most pleasing aspects of the win over City. They gave Liverpool the control they needed to rip Roberto Mancini’s side to shreds.
The £36million combination of Yaya Toure and Gareth Barry were comprehensively outgunned.
The craft and guile of Cesc Fabregas and Jack Wilshere will present a different type of challenge at the Emirates tomorrow.
But it will be a great test of the Reds’ central midfield duo, offering plenty more opportunities for Lucas to add to his lead in the tackling table.
