The characteristics of bottlers

Weak mentality

One of the potential reasons that may explain why a team may “bottle” is because of the player’s inability to stay focused when they have a lead. Complacency can lead to several defensive errors and if the team doesn’t remained focused and cautious during the whole match, than they’re more likely to concede easy chances and more goals.

2. Defensive vulnerabilities

The opposing team may also have defensive vulnerabilities that help contribute to their own downfall. Despite the fact that Manchester City have completed 5 comebacks this season, none of their comebacks have occurred against the top 6 sides and only against teams that currently lie in the bottom half of the table. As good as Manchester City have been the season, the only times they trailed against a top 6 side resulted in defeat both times, which could highlight the other team’s defensive vulnerabilities. Furthermore, the teams that Manchester City have completed a comeback against this season (Everton, Bournemouth, Huddersfield, and West Ham), each of those teams have conceded more than 50 goals this season. What this stat proves is that for comebacks, it’s not just the attacking team’s quality, but also the opposing team’s defensive flaws, and their ability to defend as a team.

3. Lack of attacking quality

Why is is that West Brom has such a high % of surrendering leads and an inability to regain the lead? Because of the lack of attacking quality that they have in comparison to other teams. A potential reason why teams “bottle” it is because they don’t have the quality to stage a comeback or regain their lead. Furthermore, they also may have been instructed to not go for the win if there are other factors such as midweek games & fitness contributing to the decision making. Sometimes in football, it’s not just mentality but also talent, and certain teams lack attacking quality.

4. Other teams ability in terms of comebacks & ability

Whether a team are considered “bottlers” or not can be impacted by the opponent’s attacking ability. For example, if Southampton had a 3–0 against Manchester City, and Manchester City made it 4–3, you wouldn’t exactly put all the blame on Southampton as Manchester City have one of the best attacking sides in the league. At times in football, while it may be complacency that creep into the minds of the players, the other team’s attacking ability & “comeback” ability definitely also plays a role in determining the outcome of the match.

Bottlers of the season (Matches of which a lead is lost and NOT RECOVERED)