I read something a few days ago where McClaren talked about Obertan and he seemed to like the defensive job he supposedly did on Southampton's left-back. There was other things said too but I remember that specifically. Plus he got the assist which gives him an easy 'excuse' as it were
Here it is
http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/steve-mcclaren-reveals-reasons-fielding-9827720