Is Pogba a Big-game player?
According to the Sky Sports Power Rankings - an algorithm that measures player performances based on 34 different matchday metrics - that game against City was Pogba‘s second finest in the Premier League to date.
As the graphic below shows, his performances have been typically underwhelming against United‘s top-five rivals, averaging at just 1,452 points per game - some 40 per cent fewer than against lesser teams.
Pogba only scored in two of those 14 games: against City and Arsenal in April this year - which remain the only games he has registered in excess of 2,000 points against the elite to date.
According to the rankings, his worst performance in the Premier League was against Liverpool in January 2017 - conceding a 27th-minute penalty in a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.
This season, Pogba recorded his second-worst performance during the 3-0 defeat to Spurs at Wembley in August, while his run out in the 2-2 draw at Chelsea last month also reaped below-average returns.
The radar graphic below suggests Pogba is deployed in a more defensive role against Big Six sides, winning far more tackles and interceptions - frequently being deployed in a 4-2-3-1 rearguard pairing.
Interestingly, Mourinho deployed Pogba in a 4-3-3 formation during his standout games against City and Arsenal - epitomised with his second goal at the Etihad and underlining his attacking potency when unleashed.
https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11096/11545416/is-manchester-united-midfielder-paul-pogba-a-big-game-player