Crystal Palace vs. Brighton match thread

[NMPalace]

Mateta has only scored 1 goal in his last 6 games and I agree he would benefit from a rest. Nketiah is injured and we don't possess another No 9 with similar physical attributes as Mateta which I believe would be beneficial to us.

a classic example as to how to (miss) use stats to make a point.

On the 7th game he scored a hat-trick so has 4 goals in the last 7 - not too bad.

Agree he needs a rest but his contribution and goal record is ok overall

 

[Willo]

a classic example as to how to (miss) use stats to make a point.

On the 7th game he scored a hat-trick so has 4 goals in the last 7 - not too bad.

Agree he needs a rest but his contribution and goal record is ok overall

With respect I do not believe I mis-used stats to make a point.
The fact remains that our main striker has only netted once in his last 6 games. I am not being overly critical of Mateta as he has played game-on-game and would benefit from a rest. Assessing his overall performances, they can be filed under 'Creditable'.

 

[Teddy Eagle]

a classic example as to how to (miss) use stats to make a point.

On the 7th game he scored a hat-trick so has 4 goals in the last 7 - not too bad.

Agree he needs a rest but his contribution and goal record is ok overall

He's also currently joint 3rd top goal scorer in the Premier League.

 

[Spindle]

He also forced saves, which could've gone in.

I think we can all see what an important player he is to the system

 

[Team of the (20)80s]

I know some people hate this kind of stuff, but I find it interesting - a statistical comparison of the 4 central midfielders, based on last season's league games only;

Forward Passes per 90 Mins:
1. Wharton - 7.33
2. Kamada - 5.11
3. Lerma - 3.83
4. Hughes - 3.72

Progressive Dribbles per 90 Mins:
1. Kamada - 1.44
2. Wharton - 0.96
3. Hughes - 0.85
4. Lerma - 0.51

Forward Passes Received per 90 Mins:
1. Kamada - 3.22
2. Hughes - 1.15
3. Lerma - 1.03
4. Wharton - 0.75

Pass Completion:
1. Kamada - 80%
2. Hughes - 76%
3. Wharton - 75.6%
4. Lerma - 75.3%

Tackles per 90 Mins:
1. Hughes - 2.82
2. Kamada - 2.70
3. Wharton - 2.33
4. Lerma - 1.38

Interesting that Kamada is in the top two across all categories.

In what has been a quite interesting debate about our midfielders I do feel these stats are telling, though obviously only ever tell part of the story.

All four have their strengths and limitations. Whilst our system does not give them a lot of goal scoring opportunities they do get, but basically never take, them. I’d like to see stats on that.

Yellow Willo’ tackles are a clear strength, Lerma may not tackle but has strength and a physical presence - neither are the most creative.

Kamada brings the dribbles and completed passes forward the most, which leads to attacking chances for others but makes mistakes. Wharton’s passing is higher risk, also noticeable mistakes but higher reward. Both can tackle but can get overpowered if the ref doesn’t protect them.

Horses for courses but, apart from Lerma-Hughes for Lernaca I think Glasner has got the combinations right. I hope Hughes’ freshness will be an asset in the coming weeks. Actually relieved neither Wharton or Kamada have played many minutes for their respective countries.