Stat Attack – Burnley v AFC Bournemouth

Matt Stevenson

Here is the xG timeline for a game that was a tough watch from an AFCB perspective, even though we ended up winning the game. The first clear chance fell to Odobert in the 3rd minute but his shot was comfortably saved by Neto (rated nearly 1 in 5). In the 12th minute AFCB were in front, Cook playing a ball over the top to Kluivert, who outpaced his man, dropped a shoulder and smashed it in. (rated 46%). Burnley were having lots of minor chances, but no big ones until just before the interval, with Vitinho having a header just outside the 6-yard boc, although Fofana behind him may have been better placed (rated 2 in 5). There had been some chances that barely registered on the xG due to good defensive blocks (Taylor stopping Semenyo and Smith blocking from Larsen) and one excellent attempt, a free kick from Larsen that Neto clawed off the line with the free kick rated as 1 in 20. At half time the xG was Burnley 1.23 and AFCB 0.60. The second half was more controlled from an AFCB perspective, although Burnley continued to dominate possession. In the 55th and 56th minutes, Bournemouth had two chances, the first for Solanke where Kluivert’s ball sent him wider than he would have liked (1 in 5) and one for Tavernier which was put into the side netting (1 in 9). 10 minutes later, Burnley thought they had equalised but the goal was disallowed for a push on Smith, who definitely used his experience to make the most of the challenge. If the ref had awarded the goal I doubt it would have been overturned on VAR. The second half had few chances, although AFCB made it 2-0 in the 87th minute with Semenyo’s deflected shot (1 in 20). The second half xG was Burnley 0.29, AFCB 0.50, with the match xG being Burnley 1.53, AFCB 1.10. Understat had it slightly closer, but also thought Burnley had the higher value.

Man of the match against Burnley Cook Vote Neto Vote Semenyo Vote Kerkez Vote Kluivert Vote Smith Vote Solanke Vote Zabarnyi Vote Tavernier Vote Someone else Vote

The average positions almost show a 2-1-4-3 formation with Christie (10) slightly ahead of the two centre-backs and the full-backs, Smith (15) and Kerkez (3) as high and Cook (4). However, Christie’s position may have been influenced by coming off at half-time and AFCB playing higher in the second half. Kluivert (19) was deeper than normal and nearer to Cook. The first sub (on 12 minutes) saw Mepham (6) replace the injured Senesi (25) but playing the same positionally. At half time Scott (14) replaced Christie, who had been unwell in the week, but he played further towards the right. On 73 minutes Philip (29) replaced Kluivert and also played more towards the right. This suggests that we had 4 men, Smith, Philip, Scott and Semenyo (24) all near the right flank which I didn’t pick up on the tv. Having gone 2-0 up, Kerkez and Solanke (9) were replaced in the 89th minute with Ouattara (11) who played high, and Unal (26).

In contrast with normal games when the centre-backs have the most touches, Semenyo and Tavernier had the most touches in total (46). Tavernier had the highest number of touches in the opposition half (27) and in the final third with 19.

AFCB had 17 touches in the opposition’s penalty area. Tavernier had 5, and Semenyo and Kluivert 4 each.

Neto attempted the most passes with 29. The 200 passes attempted (114 successful) was our lowest of the season, before that it was the 178 (103) at Burnley. Semenyo attempted most in the opposition’s half 14 whilst Solanke and Tavernier had joint-most in the final third with 7. We averaged 57% completion, the lowest of the season, again behind Burnley (65%)

Kluivert at 75% (6 from 8 passes) was the only starting player at 75% or higher., Neto, Solanke and Smith all had values below 40%. At times it did look like a practice game where one team had to give the ball back to the opposition.

AFCB attempted 9 crosses, being successful with 2 from Cook and Kerkez.

Our players tried to take on a man 10 times being successful 6 times. Tavernier was 2 from 2.

AFCB created 8 chances (2 big). Burnley created 14 chances with two big.

We had 10 attempts (2 big) noting that chances can be provided after saves, deflections or a defensive error and not created. We hit the target twice. Burnley had 20 attempts, 2 big, and hit the target 5 times.

AFCB won 22 of 46 aerials duals. Solanke won 6 of 10, and Cook 3 from 5. Semenyo was less effective than normal winning 3 from 12

AFCB won 20 of 29 tackles. Tavernier won 7 from 8.

Kerkez made most defensive actions with 13. He made the most interceptions (2), Cook made the most recoveries (6). Kerkez and Zabarnyi made the most clearances (7 each) and Zabanyi made the most blocks (2).

According to Opta, AFCB made no errors leading to a goal or chance.

The foul count was AFCB 13, Burnley 8. Cook made most fouls (3). Smith and Solanke were fouled the most (2).

The Opta expected goals had Kluivert (0.50) as most likely to score with Tavernier (0.21) and Solanke (0.19) following. For assists, Semenyo (0.29) was top, with Solanke at 0.1.

Your say…

SlowDownDerek

Those are some of the most interesting stats of the season. So it was apparently all by design and, well, it came off. Similar to the second half at Palace where it was completely gross to watch yet everyone goes home happy. Fair play to the manager. – To join the conversation, click here.