Interesting Stuff this Season

There have been more goals than ever before in the Premier League. And despite the relative glut this weekend, many less draws. Plus, more players than usual are getting on the scoresheet. We look at these anomalies and the possible reasons why…

1. More goals than ever before

There have been 2.95 goals per game this season, as opposed to a Premier League average of 2.48. Many blame the new Nike ball (T90 Ascente); goalkeepers hate it, as it moves so late, and it also encourages players to shoot more. Tactics are also having an effect – the likes of Wigan and Burnley are attacking and going at sides, which although meaning they score more also means they concede more. Birmingham are arguably the only truly defensive side in the division (apart fom Chelsea). Plus, taking the lead from Liverpool, full backs have been more attacking, leading to more goals for their side – and the opposition. The Times goes into some depth with their analysis of this.

2. Less draws than normal

There have been only eight draws this season so far – and there were four this weekend. It’s staggeringly different from normal – are tactics again to blame? More gung-ho sides playing for the win? Or is it just a statistical anomaly that will rectify itself before the season is out? Fanhouse UK explore this further.

3. More players than usual getting on the scoresheet

When Vedran Corluka headed in Spurs’ second against Bolton it meant every single one of Tottenham’s outfield players had scored. Arsenal had six different goalscorers in their 6-2 win over Blackburn, bringing their season’s total to fifteen. Even Hull got in on the act, scoring twice in a game for the first time this year. This could be a direct result of more goals (after all, more goals probably mean more goal scorers) but also a result of tactical changes. Defenders seem more willing to attack, not only Glen Johnson-esque full backs, but also marauding centre backs like Thomas Vermeulen, Arsenal’s top scorer. So goals themselves are spread more.

I thought they were interesting anyway…