While they might not influence matters on the pitch as much, the statistics add a completely different dimension to the modern game of football. This makes for some interesting readings, comparisons and some rather surprising revelations. And that is what we will be exploring in this post.
Patrick Bamford has the highest xG from open play
Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford was once written off as a Chelsea flop, but has now managed to find himself as one of the top scorers in the Premier League. He is second in goals scored from open play, only behind Spurs’ Heung-Min Son.
However, in a season where penalties are awarded in almost every game, Bamford has managed to earn the highest xG from open play, with 10.3 goals expected. He has also managed to register more shots on target than any other forward in the Premier League, with 28 attempts.
Under Marcelo Bielsa, Bamford has truly managed to become a player reborn and possibly one of the most underrated forwards in the league.
Anwar El Ghazi has the highest goals per 90 ratio
The former Dutch international was not used for Villa’s first six games this season, but has slowly been reintroduced into the squad. El Ghazi recently hit a purple patch, and has scored 5 goals in his 9 appearances in the Premier League, with 4 of them coming in his last 4 outings.
With 0.94 goals per 90, El Ghazi has the best numbers in the division, and statistically speaking, if he keeps this form up, he could end up scoring as many as 25 goals at the end of the current campaign.
Aston Villa have the third-best defensive record in the league
Staying at Villa Park, having only been promoted to the Premier League last season, Aston Villa’s second straight campaign has been extremely ambitious. With unexpected wins of the likes of the 7-2 thrashing of Liverpool, Villa have managed to surprise many.
It is even more surprising when you look at their defensive record of having conceded only 16 goals so far. Only Manchester City and Spurs have conceded less, with 13 & 15 goals scored against them respectively.
