About that goal
Martin Tyler
Juan Mata's goal came at the end of a 45-pass move, surely that is the most in the Premier League? Lee
You are right that it came at the end of a 45-pass move but that is not a record. Since Opta's stats began in 2006/07, that title goes to Nacer Chadli's goal for Spurs against QPR at the start of last season. The Belgian's strike came at the end of a 48-pass move.
The 45 passes that led to Mata's goal is the second longest in this time period - and it's worth pointing out that the 45 passes do not include Memphis Depay's shot onto the post or Mata's shot for the goal itself.
Mata's team-mate Ashley Young finished off a 37-pass move for Manchester United against Blackburn in 2012; the fourth longest sequence since 2006/07).
That was topped by a 40-pass move that led to a goal for Morgan Schneiderlin (see below for his contribution to Mata's goals) in 2014 - although he was playing for Southampton against Newcastle at the time.
Top five passing moves leading to a goal since 2006/07
48 passes: Nacer Chadli, Tottenham v QPR (24/08/2014)
45 passes: Juan Mata, Man Utd v Southampton (20/09/2015)
40 passes: Morgan Schneiderlin, Southampton v Newcastle (13/09/2014)
37 passes: Ashley Young, Man Utd v Blackburn (02/04/2012)
33 passes: Gervinho, Arsenal v Wigan (03/12/2011)
For Juan Mata's 45-pass goal, which Manchester United player touched the ball the most? Scott
MARTIN SAYS: Great question! For the goal at St Mary's there were actually 45 passes from Manchester United players and two shots on goal.
It's no surprise to see Juan Mata himself up there with the most passes. The United playmaker made six passes and got the decisive touch, beating Martin Stekelenburg with a finish into the far corner.
He's joined by Wayne Rooney and Bastian Schweinsteiger, who completed six passes each, while full-backs Marcos Rojo and Antonio Valencia both made five passes. Memphis Depay too rattled off five passes and also had a shot which rebounded back off the post to Mata.
Every Manchester United outfield player passed the ball at least four times in the build-up to the goal - except one. Two-goal hero Anthony Martial did not touch the ball once.
Here's the full list of passes in the move…
Juan Mata - 6 (plus a shot which resulted in the goal)
Bastian Schweinsteiger - 6
Wayne Rooney - 6
Memphis Depay - 5 (plus a shot which hit the post)
Marcos Rojo - 5
Antonio Valencia - 5
Chris Smalling - 4
Morgan Schneiderlin - 4
Daley Blind - 4
Anthony Martial - 0
David de Gea - 0
