Some interesting stats from this season

written as a comparison to Swansea as I have Stolen it Swansea forum


Barnsley will be tough opponents tomorrow. Since Valeriean Ishmael took charge of his first match on October 27th they've been one of the form teams in the league with a record of 8 wins and only 4 defeats, a better points return of 24 than our own 21 in the same period.

If you look at the team statistics on whoscored.com Barnsley have a number of stand-out stats. Most surprisingly, they lead the way on shots faced per game, with their 8.9 shots per game comparing to our 9.8 (5th place). They also lead the way on tackles per game (17.5), which compares to our 14.4 (9th place). Remarkably, they also top the interceptions tables, with 14.5 interceptions per game, whilst we are a poor 19th with only 10.3.

This statistical profile points to an aggressive, tough tackling side that prevents team getting near their box, but when they fail to prevent teams getting in and around their box they are vulnerable to conceding.

A few more interesting stats (for nerds like me anyway): Barnsley are bottom of the table for shots from the middle, but are second with regards to shots from the left side (see their winner midweek), and 4th from the right side. We're mid-table on all those counts.

The other stand-out stats for Barnsley (and their stats are very distinctive, whereas ours are mid-table on most counts) are the shot zone stats - with Barnsley having the fewest shots from inside the 18 yard box but the most from outside the box (we're 20th in that particular table - not surprising really). So, we need our defensive mids to be on their game - in stark contrast to Wednesday's game where Smith literally stood and admired the shot for Derby's second.