In this series, I will highlight specific players and teams from the gameweek just gone who either posted extremely promising or poor statistics. A lot of the focus will be directed towards players and teams who under/over performed on a weekly basis when comparing output against stats.

The xG Delta stat is the difference between actual goals and expected goals (xG). A high minus figure indicates underachievement and a high plus figure indicates overachievement.

Gameweek 4 Overachievers and Underachievers

xG Underachievers

Christian Pulisic (-0.77)

Marcus Rashford (-0.74)

Leandro Trossard (-0.65)

Todd Cantwell (-0.61)

xG Overachievers

Sergio Aguero (+1.66)

Richarlison (+1.63)

Jamie Vardy (+1.51)

Team Under/Overachievers

Once again, Manchester United underachieved in relation to their xG after wasting yet more chances that should’ve been converted into goals. The Red Devils drew 1-1 away at Southampton but had an xG of 1.90 compared to Southampton’s 0.77.

Both Norwich and Brighton will be disappointed not to have scored at the weekend with respective xG’s of 0.88 and 0.84. The Canaries were not as sharp in front of goal as they had been in previous weeks, but squandered the few chances they created against West Ham.

Brighton, meanwhile, had one of the toughest fixtures in world football away at Man City, but showed a real intention of giving it a go. Their xG reflects this brave approach, and they should’ve been rewarded for their efforts as far as the stats are concerned.

Everton were victorious over Wolves by a scoreline of 3-2, however, their xG (1.49) was actually lower than that of Wolves (2.00).

Finally, Sheffield United clocked an xG of 0.99, but it saw the Blades score 2 goals and snatch a vital point at Stamford Bridge.

Gameweek 4 Key Stats and Positions

Total Goal Attempts

Defenders – Mina (3)

Midfielders – Pepe (7), Kouyate (6), James (5)

Forwards – Rashford, Lacazette (6), Aguero, Firmino (5)

Chances Created

Defenders – Alexander-Arnold, Maitland-Niles (3)

Midfielders – Milivojevic (6), Mahrez, Sigurdsson (5)

Forwards – Abraham (4)

Average Positions

Arsenal’s 4-3-3 formation looked more of a 4-3-1-2 in average position format, with Lacazette playing in more of a ’10’ role behind both Pepe and Aubameyang.

Dan James was as advanced as Rashford.

Robinson far more advanced than McBurnie. As is often the case in a 2 striker formation, 1 will drop deeper and assist in the build-up (McBurnie) and the other will stay higher up the pitch and look to receive the ball in behind the defence (Robinson).

Salah Liverpool’s most advanced player. Robertson slightly more advanced than Alexander-Arnold.

Vardy the most advanced player across all teams and players.

Haller the most advanced West Ham player (unlike in recent weeks), with Yarmolenko just behind, in front of both Lanzini and Anderson.

Cantwell played a bit deeper than in previous weeks, with an average position on the halfway line.

Zinchenko more advanced than Walker.

McNeil more advanced than both Barnes and Wood.

Other Standout Stats

Team Shots – Arsenal (26), Crystal Palace (22), Manchester United (21).

Highest xG – Tammy Abraham (1.19).

Milivojevic delivered an incredible 19 crosses (the most of all players). Second was Sigurdsson who made 10 crosses.

Kolasinac had the most touches in the final third amongst defenders (36).

Fredericks had the most touches in the opposition penalty area amongst defenders (5).

Dan James had the most touches in the opposition penalty area amongst midfielders (11). Salah and Zaha were second with 10.

Teemu Pukki managed 2 goal attempts, 1 of which was inside the box and an xG of just 0.09 against West Ham.

Top of the Stats – Last 4 Gameweeks

xG

Defender – A. Smith (0.70)

Midfielder – Sterling (3.66)

Forward – Haller (3.08)

Goal Attempts

Defender – Digne (7)

Midfielder – Mount (14)

Forward – Firmino (17)

Shots Inside the box

Defender – C. Dawson (6)

Midfielder – Sterling (12)

Forward – Pukki (13)

Chances Created

Defender – Alexander-Arnold (14)

Midfielder – De Bruyne (16)

Forward – C. Wilson (9)