Sunday night brings our regular foray into the members data, as we pick through the numbers to analyse some of the top performers on show. The likes of Romelu Lukaku, Daniel Sturridge, Philipe Coutinho and the rejuvenated Samir Nasri earn our attention.
4 efforts on target by Romelu Lukaku in the 3-0 win at St Mary’s. The Belgian striker delivered early for those who invested ahead of the double Gameweek, producing a goal and a brace of assists in the win over the Saints. Lukaku’s numbers continue to shine: he has hit the target with 45.8% of his 83 shots this season, that’s a hugely impressive conversion rate that’s superior to the likes of Robin Van Persie (44.5%), Luis Suarez (36.9%). Indeed, of the forwards with more than 50 shots this season, only Steven Fletcher (50.9%) and Daniel Sturridge (47.3) show a superior shot accuracy over the season.
8 big chances created by West Brom in the 3-0 win at Southampton. With ten attempts on goal in total at St Mary’s, the majority of these goal attempts were gilt-edged, underlining their superiority and the impact of Steve Clarke’s 4-3-3 formation. As we’ve seen, Lukaku was impressive but he was ably supported by Marc-Antoine Fortune and Shane Long and both also featured on the scoresheet. While Clarke’s side are ranked mid-table for goal attempts this season, clearly Saturday’s shift to a 4-3-3 transformed matters and helped them carve out good opportunities – a factor worth considering when contemplating the likes of Lukaku for the double Gameweek ahead. As we mentioned in today’s Scout Notes, however, much could depend on Steve Clarke’s tactics from this point on: it remains to be seen if he will revert to a 4-5-1 once midfield resources return to fitness.
5 goal attempts in the box by Daniel Sturridge in the 6-0 rout of Newcastle at St James’ Park. Sturridge was the other star striker on show in the Gameweek, firing a brace and earning an assist in Liverpool’s humiliation of the Magpies. Sturridge had six efforts on goal in the match, three of which were on target, an effort every 14.2 minutes. Over the season, Sturridge has fired in a shot on goal every 19.1 minutes. Only team-mate Luis Suarez has been more prolific with attempts, registering a shot every 16.6 minutes.
5 through balls contributed by Philippe Coutinho in the thrashing of the Magpies. The former Inter starlet goes on growing his reputation in the Premier League – at times at St James’ Park, Coutinho was sublime. Without the influence of Luis Suarez, he was a huge creative presence, threading balls for the likes of Sturridge and setting up two goalscoring opportunities in the process. His goal threat is also impressive, denied a superb goal by the woodwork on Saturday, over the last four Gameweeks, the Brazilian has had 11 attempts at goal – only Michu and Gaston Ramirez has fired in more attempts in the same spell amongst the midfielders on show.
47 touches in the final third by Samir Nasri in Man City’s 2-0 win over West Ham. The Frenchman came out of the game with a pair of assists and was again impressive throughout. With 31 passes received in the final third, only three other midfielders saw more of the ball in attacking areas – Juan Mata (35), David Silva (34) and Santi Cazorla (32). No midfielder could surpass Nasri for passes completed in that area of the pitch as he laid on four goalscoring opportunities for others as well as mustering three attempts on goal himself. Over the last four Gameweeks, only Arsenal’s Santi Cazorla has completed more passes in the final third than Nasri. Interestingly, Nasri has also had 19 touches in the penalty area in this four Gameweek spell, only three midfielders can match that – Kevin Nolan, Michu and Theo Walcott.
6 goal attempts by Maraoune Fellaini in the 1-0 win over Fulham. Whilst Fellaini was again shifted to a conventional central midfield role in the absence of the injured Darron Gibson, his goal threat was back to his potent best. Fellaini benefited from being shifted forward in the second half and went on to register all six of his goal attempts inside the box. Only one effort found the target and one glaring miss will have left his owners deeply frustrated. Even so, the increase in threat offers some crumb of comfort: over his last three matches prior to this weekend, Fellaini had mustered just two goal attempts.
3 goal attempts in the box conceded by Everton in the 1-0 win over Fulham. With five clean sheets in their last seven league matches, the Everton rearguard has been hugely impressive of late. While they were never likely to be seriously tested by a powder puff Fulham attack, over their last six matches, Everton have conceded just 29 efforts in their own box, second only to United (27).
11 touches in the penalty box by Fulham in the 1-0 defeat to Everton at Goodison. Everton’s control of the game is underlined by the fact that Martin Jol’s side barely threatened, managing just 11 touches in their opponents’ penalty area. Sadly for Fulham, this is indicative of their recent form which is, quite frankly, suggests that they are fortunate not to have been dragged into a relegation battle. Over their last six matches, Jol’s side have mustered just 86 penalty area touches – that’s fewer than any other side in the league over the same spell – Sunderland are ranked next, way ahead on 116. Fulham also rank lowest for touches in the final third over the last six matches (762) with relegated QPR next on (870).
8 goal attempts by Demba Ba in Chelsea’s routine win over Swansea at the Bridge. The Senegal striker has just a single goal in his last nine league appearances but, against the Swans, he did at least offer a persistent threat to their goal. No other forward had more attempts in the Gameweek and with seven of his efforts inside the box, four of which were on target, Ba really should have come out of the game with some profit. His failure will prove a frustration, however and it remains to be seen what lies ahead for Ba and Chelsea next season under a new regime. Several signings in the striker department are surely on the cards, while Lukaku could also be in contention.
