Stat Attack - Newcastle United v AFC Bournemouth

Written by Matt Stevenson

Here is the xG timeline for a game that was called ‘pulsating’ in the media. The first clear chance fell to Gordon as a cross came in from Newcastle’s right but he headed wide (1 in 5). We then created two big chances, the first saw Cook release Kluivert who unselfish squared it to Solanke, but his shot was saved by Dubravka (2 in 5). Eight minutes later, there was a better chance, Tavernier crossing it and Solanke stretching to meet it – as long as it didn’t hit the keeper it was a goal, but unfortunately, it did (rated 7 in 10). On another day we could have been 2-0 up. There were not many other chances in a bitty first half that Newcastle came back into, at the break the xG was Newcastle 0.48 and AFCB 1.15. Early in the second half we went 1-0 up; we were pressing and Dubravka slipped leaving Solanke with a large part of the goal unguarded (82%). Soon after VAR intervened to give Newcastle a controversial penalty. The debate on this will long continue and AFCB may get a belated apology from Howard Webb. But it won’t prevent the goal that Gordon scored (nearly 4 in 5). The next 10 minutes was nip and tuck until on the break Semenyo was one one-on-one against Burn, the Newcastle man kept backing away fearful of the difference in pace and Semenyo smacked it into the left corner (1 in 19). There were hardly any more chances until we went in 10 minutes of extra time, caused by the long VAR review. Almost immediately after coming on Ritchie took advantage of Kelly slipping and his first header ricocheted off both Cook and Neto before dropping kindly for Ritchie to score (3 in 5). There could have been an additional chance for AFCB who won a corner, only for the referee to blow the final whistle before it could be taken – I doubt this would have happened at the other end. The final xG was Newcastle 2.23 AFCB 2.22 although Understat had it slightly more in Newcastle’s favour at 2.38 vs 2.08. Without the penalty AFCB would have been noticeably ahead, however.

Man of the match against Newcastle

Solanke

Cook

Tavernier

Semenyo

Scott

Kelly

Christie

Kluivert

Someone else

The average positions almost show a 4-1-1-4 formation with Semenyo (24). Cook (4) was in front of the back 4 with Christie (10) more advanced. Kluivert (19) who came back into the 10 role played as high as Solanke (9). The first sub saw Scott (14) replace Kluivert and playing nearer Cook which was some acknowledgment of being 2-1 up. Seven minutes later Ouattara (11) replaced Semenyo (24) again playing deeper and helping protect Smith (15). The final substitution was just after Newcastle had equalised with Unal (26) replacing Christie, who had been booked. The attacking intent was good to see although Unai only touched the ball once. This is only the third time we have just used 3 subs (after Brentford away and Newcastle at home)

Senesi had the most touches in total (58), with Christie second with 44. Tavernier had the highest number of touches in the opposition half (31) and in the final third with 21.

AFCB had 21 touches in the opposition’s penalty area. Solanke had 8, and Tavernier 4.

Cook attempted 40 passes with Neto second on 35. Christie attempted most in the opposition’s half-22 and joint-most in the final third with 8, level with Tavernier. We averaged 65% completion, the lowest of the season with only Christie and Semenyo of starting players having a record equal, or better, than 75%. Kluivert at 40% (2 from 5 passes), Neto at 46% (16 from 35) and Scott at 56% (5 from 9) won’t be pleased with these figures.

AFCB attempted 19 crosses, being successful with 3 from Kelly, Ouattara and Tavernier.

Our players tried to take on a man 14 times being successful 5 times. Christie was 2 from 3. Although you don’t need to beat a man to score, as Burn backing off Semenyo meant this wasn’t counted as a take-on.

AFCB created 9 chances (2 big). Newcastle created 12 chances but with none big.

We had 12 attempts (3 big) noting that chances can be provided after saves, deflections or a defensive error and not created. We hit the target 6 times. Newcastle had 13 attempts, 2 big, and hit the target 5 times.

AFCB won 16 of 35 aerials duals. Solanke won 6 of 11, and Kelly 4 from 4.

AFCB won 22 of 34 tackles. Cook won 5 from 6, Zabarnyi 4 from 5 and Tavernier 3 from 4.

Cook made the most defensive actions with 17. He made joint-most interceptions (2) with Scott and Senesi, Neto made the most recoveries (12). Senesi made most clearances (5) and Cook and Smith made our two blocks.

According to Opta, AFCB made no errors leading to a goal or chance. It is surprising giving away a penalty doesn’t count

The foul count was AFCB 23, Newcastle 8. 23 surpasses the 19 against N Forest at home. Christie made the most fouls (5). Scott, Solanke, and Tavernier were fouled the most (2).

The Opta expected goals had Solanke (1.94) as the most likely to score for AFCB which is the highest this season from a player. No other player was above 0.10. For assists, Tavernier (0.13) was top, although I’m not sure how these are calculated as Kluivert’s ball to Solanke and Tavernier’s cross feels like it should have been higher.