David de Gea failed to save Jay Rodriguez’s equalizer in Man United’s 1-1 draw against Burnley on Tuesday.
Goalkeeper analyst John Harrison has detailed the Spaniard’s struggles in 1v1 situations and how that held him back against the Clarets.
He tweeted: “#DeGea struggles with close range 1v1s continue! His decision-making is good, as he doesn’t engage too soon & only engages once he cannot to react in time to the shot, but his problem is, as always, the way he twists his body away from contact which leaves gaps in his barrier!
“My model finds that if #DeGea had engaged the 1st touch the chance would’ve been 0.64 ExG because even though the 1v1 is quite far from goal engaging in that location would make the GK very vulnerable to the chip, sidefoot finish, and being rounded.
“Engaging the 2nd touch, as #DeGea does, means the chance is actually 0.42 ExG as even though the 1v1 is closer to goal when the GK engages here there is usually very little space to exploit over, through, or round the GK! Thus #DeGea’s decision was certainly a good one!
“The reason #DeGea concedes is because yet again when he engages he twists/angles his body such that he avoids contact & thus leaves a big gap for the striker to exploit! If he could start staying square to the ball he would become far more proficient at saving close range 1v1s!
“I am not blaming #DeGea for the goal, I am highlighting the part he played & his struggles with close range 1v1s!”
De Gea was caught surprised by Burnley’s breakaway before the goal which happened due to some calamitous defending from Harry Maguire and Scott McTominay.
The Spaniard made one great save to deny Wout Weghorst later on, ensuring at least that United didn’t face a humiliating defeat.
