Stat Attack - AFCB v Tottenham Hotspur

Written by Matt Stevenson

Here’s the xG from the disappointing Spurs game. Despite a bright start from both teams, the first attempt didn’t come until the 9th minute, with Maddison having a shot blocked (rated 1 in 9). 5 minutes later, the England international again had a better chance (rated 1 in 3) which was saved by Neto atoning for his poor clearance. Two minutes later Maddison had made it 1-0, clever movement finding space in the box to scuff it past Neto (45% rated). AFCB were struggling to create any chances, with the best being 1 in 16 rated attempts from Semenyo and Billing. Just before half time we had shots by Christie and Philip (which whizzed past the post rated 1 in 15). At half time, Spurs had been the better team which was reflected in the xG – AFCB 0.28 and Spurs 1.22.

Despite the fact that it was widely commented that AFCB started the second half well, we couldn’t create any clear chances, Solanke turning well to fire a cross through the six-yard box with no one to tap it home. Semenyo almost scored from a hard chance (1 in 50) fired just into the side netting with the Spurs keeper rooted. The game looked lost in the 62nd minute when Kulusevski ran from the far post, got in front of a flat-footed Kelly to turn home a cross; better communication and awareness will be needed in future games. After that Spurs seemed content for it to be 2-0 but still had the best two chances, both 1 in 9 efforts from Maddison and Davis. The xG was AFCB 0.48 Spurs 2.26, although Opta had it slightly better for the cherries (0.67 vs 2.06) but this was a game Spurs deserved to win.

Semenyo (24) and Christie ((10) who led the press) played furthest forward. On average position, Solanke (9) appeared to be deployed behind Semenyo, Christie and Kluivert (19) although he hardly touched the ball in the first half and was moved back in the 86th minute when Moore (21) came on for Philip (29). The average position of the subs are interesting with the five all grouped near the centre circle. Cook (4) had come on for Rothwell (8) at half time to provide more of a defensive shield. Traore (22) and Anthony (32) had come on at the hour mark, but both struggled to make an impression. Kerkez (3) was noticeable further forward than Aarons (37). Again we had 7 players with average positions in the opponent’s half, which is a marked contrast from last year.

Most touches were had by the defence Zarbanyi with 71, followed by Aarons 66 and Kerkez 59. Potentially surprisingly the fullbacks had the most touches in the opposition half (Kerkez 34 and Aarons 30) although if Christie had played 90 minutes it would likely have been him. Kerkez and Semenyo had the most touches in the final third with 23, although Kluivert would likely have beaten this if he had played the full game.

We had 27 touches in the opposition’s penalty area, Philip having 8 of these followed by Semenyo and Solanke with 3.

Zabarnyi attempted 53 passes, followed by Kelly with 48. Aarons and Kerkez most in the opposition half and Kerkez and Kluivert in the final third. Rothwell and Anthony both had 100% pass completion rates with Zabarnyi having the highest (91%) of the starters. Traore’s cameo was not as successful as last week with a pass completion of 64%.

AFCB attempted 22 crosses, being successful with only 3 (two from Christie and one from Aarons). This was significantly less successful than last season and only marginally better than against West Ham.

Our players tried to take on a man 31 times, being successful 14 times. 5 players had 100% although these did not include Rothwell (3 from 5) and Zabarnyi (3 from 4) who completed the most successful attempts. Semenyo, Philip, Solanke and Traore, had no successes from 13 attempts which suggests the Spurs defence was good at stopping take-ons.

We created 8 chances (none big). Spurs created 12 chances with four of them big.

We had 11 attempts (none big) noting that chances can be provided after saves, deflections or a defensive error and not created. We hit the target 3 times. Spurs had 17 attempts, 4 big, and hit the target six times.

AFCB won 12 of 20 aerials duals. Philip and Zabarnyi both winning 3 out of 4 whilst Kelly and Moore had 100% records from 2 or fewer duels.

We won 17 out of 31 tackles. Most notable was Semenyo winning 3 out of 3

Zabarnyi had the most defensive actions with 16. Cook made the most interceptions despite being on the pitch for only the second half, Zabarnyi made the most recoveries, Kerkez and Zabarnyo made the most clearances and four players each made 1 block.

AFCB only made one error leading to a shooting chance which was the poor attempted pass by Neto in the first half. This error did not lead to a goal.

Semenyo gave away most fouls whilst four of our players were fouled twice.

The expected goals had Philip (0.29) and Semenyo (0.17) as those most likely to score for AFCB, Christie created the better chances (with an xA of 0.15) with the remaining players generally having small values. AFCB had an xGc of 2.06 and only let in 2, so did marginally better than expected defensively.