tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53997202462817864322024-03-06T01:33:22.118+00:00The Backwards GoonerThe Backwards Goonerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15311668350515790920noreply@blogger.comBlogger188125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5399720246281786432.post-28533520999595184642017-11-06T14:58:00.001+00:002017-11-06T15:00:03.569+00:00Are Premier League referees biased against Arsenal? (Part 1)In the wake of yet another contentious penalty decision given against Arsenal, I thought it would be interesting to dive into the numbers to see whether Premier League referees do actually discriminate against Arsenal at either end of the pitch.<br />
<br />
This is by no means going to be a comprehensive analysis of each individual decision and whether they were right or wrong. Rather, I'll be attempting to look into the number of penalties awarded and conceded over time, and seeing how they compare to other clubs, and against what we'd expect for a team of Arsenal's style and stature. This is partly to open our eyes to the potential influence of footballing reasons, and partly because looking at the refereeing errors affecting one club in isolation doesn't tell us anything about bias - ALL clubs suffer from bad decisions to some degree and ALL fans complain about decisions that go against them; looking at one club alone couldn't possibly tell you anything about whether they receive different treatment to other clubs.<br />
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This first part will focus on penalties awarded. In order to be thorough, data from the 10 seasons between 2007/2008 and 2016/2017 will be used, from the 22 teams that have featured most frequently in that time.<br />
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All statistics are sourced from OPTA, via <a href="https://www.statbunker.com/" target="_blank">Statbunker</a> and <a href="https://www.whoscored.com/" target="_blank">Whoscored</a>.<br />
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The most basic stat to start off with is the actual number of penalties awarded per season. In the following table you can see that Leicester surprisingly top this list, thanks in part to their haul of 13 awarded penalties in their title-winning 15/16 season. The top of the table is otherwise dominated by the league's strongest teams, with the exception of Arsenal all the way down in 9th place, and Blackburn and Crystal Palace way up in 6th and 7th.<br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="1" height="550" src="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vSxjpw02wBc-vu3DqaOK4UdQntcYImEk6H7sfQnHZveBr0uFenI1oLRfUPsWCApy19MY_FL3nyFczfn/pubhtml?gid=0&single=true&widget=true&headers=false" width="470"></iframe><br />
<br />
Now penalties in isolation don't tell you much. To get a better idea of whether a team is winning too few penalties, we need to look at their general attacking threat. Well non-penalty goals is a good gauge of how potent a team's attacking threat is (and is independent of potentially biased penalties). Arsenal top this list over the last 10 years, which produces quite an odd contrast with their lowly penalty figures. Definitive proof of refereeing bias right?<br />
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But Arsenal are not the only team who are under-represented. Swansea and Southampton would also have legitimate claims to be the victims of refereeing bias if we were to use this simple logic. And the likes of Leicester, Crystal Palace and Blackburn would appear to be enjoying the favour of referees.<br />
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To get a better idea of the discrepancy between a team's rank in the penalties awarded category and the non-penalty goals category, we can express the former as a percentage of the latter. This gives us a very nice spectrum as shown in the following table, with the likes of Crystal Palace and Leicester sitting at the top, winning penalties at more than double the rate (relative to their attacking level) of Arsenal, who sit at the very bottom.<br />
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<iframe frameborder="1" height="570" src="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vSxjpw02wBc-vu3DqaOK4UdQntcYImEk6H7sfQnHZveBr0uFenI1oLRfUPsWCApy19MY_FL3nyFczfn/pubhtml?gid=1940653530&single=true&widget=true&headers=false" width="245"></iframe><br />
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Now, far from reinforcing the idea that referees are biased in favour of or against certain teams, this table actually goes a long way to explaining the footballing reasons behind this disparity. The top of the table is dominated by teams that could broadly be described as playing direct football, be it Leicester's lightning quick counter-attacks, Palace's tricky winger-based system, or Stoke and Blackburn's physical, aerial game. At the other end of the spectrum you have Arsenal and Swansea, two teams renowned for playing short-passing, possession football. And then in the middle you have the traditional big teams - minus Arsenal of course. These teams tend to dominate possession perhaps by virtue of their quality rather than by design, and they are not necessarily wedded to a slow, intricate approach.<br />
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On the face of it this contrast would make sense - penalties are often won during transitions, when tricky, pacy attackers can take advantage of opposition disorganisation, isolating defenders and drawing them into desperate fouls in the box. Teams that move the ball quickly from back to front are likely to win more penalties at any given level.<br />
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So the next table looks at a team's "directness", measured as the percentage ratio of long passes to short passes. Directness also correlates incredibly well with average possession, as you'd expect.<br />
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From this table we can see that there's a pretty clear trend of penalty % increasing as directness % increases. It's not a perfect trend of course, as Wigan seem to win more penalties than you'd expect for a team of their style, and Bolton have won far less than you'd expect with their direct approach, to name just 2 outliers.<br />
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<iframe frameborder="1" height="540" src="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vSxjpw02wBc-vu3DqaOK4UdQntcYImEk6H7sfQnHZveBr0uFenI1oLRfUPsWCApy19MY_FL3nyFczfn/pubhtml?gid=1526811778&single=true&widget=true&headers=false" width="440"></iframe><br />
<br />
So what does this data tell us? That there's a pretty good correlation between a team's directness, and the likelihood of them winning penalties at their particular quality level. The following graph demonstrates this better:<br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="1" height="390" src="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vSxjpw02wBc-vu3DqaOK4UdQntcYImEk6H7sfQnHZveBr0uFenI1oLRfUPsWCApy19MY_FL3nyFczfn/pubchart?oid=1113352649&format=image" width="600"></iframe><br />
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But this doesn't explain everything. Why, for example, do Man City win so many penalties for such an indirect team, while Arsenal win so few? Why are Arsenal awarded penalties at the rate of a mid-table team while their rivals at the top all earn considerably more despite not being that much more direct than Arsenal?<br />
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You would of course expect good dribblers at top clubs to also win penalties in crowded boxes, so directness cannot FULLY account for the penalty rates. Hence why the top clubs such as Man Utd, Chelsea, Liverpool and Man City hover around midtable for the penalty award rate, despite being at the bottom of the table of directness. Arsenal don't seem to benefit from this effect.<br />
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To illustrate this point one final time, let's compare average points per season to the penalty % rate below. You can see that the top 7 cluster all win significantly more penalties relative to NPG than Arsenal.<br />
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<iframe frameborder="1" height="560" src="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vSxjpw02wBc-vu3DqaOK4UdQntcYImEk6H7sfQnHZveBr0uFenI1oLRfUPsWCApy19MY_FL3nyFczfn/pubhtml?gid=1637419824&single=true&widget=true&headers=false" width="320"></iframe><br />
<br />
What can we conclude from these numbers? Firstly, this DOES NOT prove that referees are biased against Arsenal. This analysis is nowhere near exhaustive enough to be able to confirm that point of view. As we've seen, just a quick dive into the possession/directness figures has already uncovered one significant factor that affects how often different clubs are awarded penalties. There's no reason to think that a more detailed analysis of other metrics wouldn't uncover any more insights.<br />
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With that being said, there is room within the data for potential refereeing bias. This doesn't necessarily have to be an intentional bias, or the result of a conspiracy among referees. It could be something as simple as a sub-conscious stereotype of Arsenal as a 'soft' team who go down too easily under challenges. Again, the data above doesn't prove this, but doesn't rule it out either.<br />
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Part 2 will focus on penalties conceded, which should give us another angle to approach the issue from, and more data to add to the playing style vs refereeing debate.The Backwards Goonerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15311668350515790920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5399720246281786432.post-91007912195053855482017-08-07T11:32:00.000+01:002017-08-07T12:16:45.284+01:00Best Historical Attacking Seasons(Click on tabs underneath to see different categories)<br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="410" src="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1QHzmFIQ0rHOEtspYrxGyGEuhC2P2_klnkaG07JnFo0c/pubhtml?widget=true&headers=false" width="680"></iframe><br />The Backwards Goonerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15311668350515790920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5399720246281786432.post-24181922386680362172017-08-07T11:27:00.002+01:002018-04-28T12:36:14.792+01:00Arsenal Attacking Statistics 2017/2018(Click on tabs underneath to see different categories)<br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="640" src="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1_L0Whu2gBtqIC5uduuQ_z4j3PJYXbGXuNzHSKpQCgWM/pubhtml?widget=true&headers=false" width="680"></iframe><br />The Backwards Goonerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15311668350515790920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5399720246281786432.post-16657406940508448402017-08-07T00:30:00.001+01:002017-08-07T00:30:26.528+01:00Arsenal Attacking Statistics 2012/2013(Click on tabs underneath to see different categories)<br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="640" src="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1e1DI3aJV3ALnLhocWgT4PuaQa5v2W4ANHejRngzupoA/pubhtml?widget=true&output=html&widget=true" width="690"></iframe><br />The Backwards Goonerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15311668350515790920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5399720246281786432.post-87081773237740077762016-12-18T13:01:00.002+00:002017-07-13T12:09:37.229+01:00Arsenal Attacking Statistics 2000/2001(Click on tabs underneath to see different categories)<br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="480" nbsp="" src="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1YOjWBAeOjza-Bnzvp3ix4jn8c_v2HhUhDBL4cF-80fU/pubhtml?widget=true&headers=false" width="680"></iframe><br />
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<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Standout attacking performances:</span></u></b><br />
<br />
<b><i>Patrick Vieira</i></b><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">2 goals</span>, <span style="color: #38761d;">1 assist</span><br />
Arsenal 5-3 Charlton Athletic (Premier League)<br />
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<b><i>Ray Parlour</i></b><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">3 goals</span><br />
Arsenal 5-0 Newcastle United (Premier League)<br />
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<b><i>Sylvain Wiltord</i></b><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">1 goal</span>, <span style="color: #38761d;">2 assists</span><br />
Arsenal 5-0 Manchester City (Premier League)<br />
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<b><i>Sylvain Wiltord</i></b><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">3 goals</span><br />
Arsenal 3-0 West Ham United (Premier League)<br />
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<b><i>Thierry Henry</i></b><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">2 goals</span>, <span style="color: #38761d;">1 assist</span><br />
Arsenal 5-0 Manchester City (Premier League)<br />
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<b><i>Thierry Henry</i></b><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">3 goals</span>, <span style="color: #38761d;">2 assists</span><br />
Arsenal 6-1 Leicester City (Premier League)The Backwards Goonerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15311668350515790920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5399720246281786432.post-50585622189852153992016-12-09T15:51:00.001+00:002017-07-13T12:01:27.886+01:00Barcelona Attacking Statistics 2001/2002(Click on tabs underneath to see different categories)<br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="460" src="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/19u7WR2O5wsA5JvuB2NEw4qZOiXfXmt5v4UgEDylVLGc/pubhtml?widget=true&headers=false" width="320"></iframe>The Backwards Goonerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15311668350515790920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5399720246281786432.post-25091981610630183852016-12-08T14:46:00.000+00:002017-07-13T12:02:03.040+01:00Arsenal Attacking Statistics 1999/2000(Click on tabs underneath to see different categories)<br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="480" nbsp="" src="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1wYsM76QM7l6yEme6WLNwKj9hf7qzK9uf2sbyLRpVCho/pubhtml?widget=true&headers=false" width="680"></iframe><br />
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<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Standout attacking performances:</span></u></b><br />
<br />
<b><i>Davor Suker</i></b><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">2 goals</span>, <span style="color: #38761d;">1 assist</span><br />
Arsenal 4-1 Everton (Premier League)<br />
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<b><i>Dennis Bergkamp</i></b><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">2 goals</span>, <span style="color: #38761d;">1 assist</span><br />
Arsenal 5-1 Middlesbrough (Premier League)<br />
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<b><i>Marc Overmars</i></b><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">3 goals</span><br />
Arsenal 5-1 Middlesbrough (Premier League)<br />
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<b><i>Marc Overmars</i></b><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">1 goal</span>, <span style="color: #38761d;">2 assists</span><br />
Arsenal 3-1 Blackpool (FA Cup)<br />
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<b><i>Nwankwo Kanu</i></b><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">3 goals</span><br />
Chelsea 2-3 Arsenal (Premier League)<br />
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<b><i>Ray Parlour</i></b><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">3 goals</span>, <span style="color: #38761d;">1 assist</span><br />
Werder Bremen 2-4 Arsenal (UEFA Cup)<br />
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<b><i>Thierry Henry</i></b><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">2 goals</span>, <span style="color: #38761d;">2 assists</span><br />
Arsenal 4-1 Sunderland (Premier League)<br />
<br />
<b><i>Thierry Henry</i></b><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">2 goals</span>, <span style="color: #38761d;">1 assist</span><br />
Watford 2-3 Arsenal (Premier League)<br />
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<b><i>Thierry Henry</i></b><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">2 goals</span>, <span style="color: #38761d;">1 assist</span><br />
Arsenal 5-1 Deportivo (UEFA Cup)The Backwards Goonerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15311668350515790920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5399720246281786432.post-41854399743059458932016-12-06T12:30:00.003+00:002017-07-13T12:03:32.743+01:00Arsenal Attacking Statistics 1998/1999(Click on tabs underneath to see different categories)<br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="470" nbsp="" src="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vR9m0l8jcPVGe6vrviQ2CPphiIUZkDIkUEfn33BZqNkT5WnFCNYgzM0NwkFIEQ1mVeoCJqKrCJzPlPl/pubhtml?widget=true&headers=false" width="680"></iframe><br />
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<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Standout attacking performances:</span></u></b><br />
<br />
<b><i>Dennis Bergkamp</i></b><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">2 goals</span>, <span style="color: #38761d;">1 assist</span><br />
Arsenal 3-0 Newcastle United (Premier League)<br />
<br />
<b><i>Dennis Bergkamp</i></b><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">1 goal</span>, <span style="color: #38761d;">2 assists</span><br />
Arsenal 3-1 Leeds United (Premier League)<br />
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<b><i>Dennis Bergkamp</i></b><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;">4 assists</span><br />
Arsenal 5-0 Leicester City (Premier League)<br />
<br />
<b><i>Luis Boa Morte</i></b><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">1 goal</span>, <span style="color: #38761d;">2 assists</span><br />
Preston North End 2-4 Arsenal (FA Cup)<br />
<br />
<b><i>Marc Overmars</i></b><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">1 goal</span>, <span style="color: #38761d;">2 assists</span><br />
Middlesbrough 1-6 Arsenal (Premier League)<br />
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<b><i>Nicolas Anelka</i></b><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">3 goals</span><br />
Arsenal 5-0 Leicester City (Premier League)<br />
<br />
<b><i>Nicolas Anelka</i></b><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">1 goal</span>, <span style="color: #38761d;">2 assists</span><br />
Arsenal 3-0 Manchester United (Charity Shield)<br />
<br />
<b><i>Nwankwo Kanu</i></b><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">2 goals</span>, <span style="color: #38761d;">1 assist</span><br />
Middlesbrough 1-6 Arsenal (Premier League)<br />
<br />
<b><i>Stephen Hughes</i></b><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;">3 assists</span><br />
Arsenal 3-0 Manchester United (Premier League)The Backwards Goonerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15311668350515790920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5399720246281786432.post-29523767396122303532016-12-06T10:00:00.000+00:002017-07-13T12:04:09.067+01:00Arsenal Attacking Statistics 2015/2016(Click on tabs underneath to see different categories)<br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="520" nbsp="" src="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vSqsksk70AI5Z976ieFP-sm0FeZiRLU9fRfngSGpzGswp7Gku2LDEEUL26OrEcidL21A-wQ6cAiIsxN/pubhtml?widget=true&headers=false" width="680"></iframe><br />
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<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Standout attacking performances:</span></u></b><br />
<br />
<b><i>Alexis Sanchez</i></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">3 goals</span>, <span style="color: #b45f06;">1 key pass</span><br />
Leicester 2-5 Arsenal (Premier League)<br />
<br />
<b><i>Alexis Sanchez</i></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">2 goals</span>, <span style="color: #b45f06;">1 key pass</span><br />
Arsenal 3-0 Manchester United (Premier League)<br />
<br />
<b><i>Alexis Sanchez</i></b><br />
<span style="color: #b45f06;">3 key passes</span><br />
Arsenal 4-0 Aston Villa (Premier League)<br />
<br />
<b><i>Alexis Sanchez</i></b><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">2 goals</span>, <span style="color: #38761d;">1 assist</span><br />
Arsenal 3-0 Dinamo Zagreb (Champions League)<br />
<br />
<b><i>Mesut Ozil</i></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">1 assist</span>, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;">3 key passes</span><br />
Leicester 2-5 Arsenal (Premier League)<br />
<br />
<b><i>Olivier Giroud</i></b><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">3 goals</span><br />
Arsenal 4-0 Aston Villa (Premier League)<br />
<br />
<b><i>Olivier Giroud</i></b><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">3 goals</span><br />
Arsenal 3-0 Dinamo Zagreb (Champions League)<br />
<br />
<b><i>Theo Walcott</i></b><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">2 goals</span>, <span style="color: #38761d;">1 assist</span><br />
Hull 0-4 Arsenal (FA Cup)The Backwards Goonerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15311668350515790920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5399720246281786432.post-66114514389950417522016-12-02T13:07:00.000+00:002017-07-13T12:04:44.024+01:00Arsenal Attacking Statistics 2016/2017(Click on tabs underneath to see different categories)<br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="580" src="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vT7LxdXnB0VoblPrbghYHb-C1hIat7XK7tfcJgbTn0uRzOG3gX0TFYlYM2evzPTYzhs3UlqyNyaC0kA/pubhtml?widget=true&headers=false" width="680"></iframe><br />
<br />
<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Standout attacking performances:</span></u></b><br />
<br />
<b><i>Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain</i></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">1 goal</span>, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">1 assist</span>, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;">2 key passes</span><br />
Arsenal 6-0 Ludogorets (Champions League)<br />
<br />
<b><i>Alexis Sanchez</i></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">3 goals</span>, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">1 assist</span><br />
West Ham 1-5 Arsenal (Premier League)<br />
<br />
<b><i>Alexis Sanchez</i></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">1 assist</span>, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;">2 key passes</span><br />
Basel 1-4 Arsenal (Champions League)<br />
<br />
<b><i>Alexis Sanchez</i></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">1 goal</span>, 1 assist</span>, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;">2 key passes</span><br />
Arsenal 5-0 Lincoln City (FA Cup)<br />
<br />
<b><i>Danny Welbeck</i></b><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">2 goals</span>, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">1 assist</span><br />
Southampton 0-5 Arsenal (FA Cup)<br />
<br />
<b><i>Lucas Perez</i></b><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">2 goals</span>, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">1 assist</span><br />
Nottingham Forest 0-4 Arsenal (EFL Cup)<br />
<br />
<b><i>Lucas Perez</i></b><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">3 goals</span><br />
Basel 1-4 Arsenal (Champions League)<br />
<br />
<b><i>Lucas Perez</i></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">1 assist</span>, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;">2 key passes</span><br />
Southampton 0-5 Arsenal (FA Cup)<br />
<br />
<b><i>Mesut Ozil</i></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">3 goals</span>, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">1 assist</span><br />
Arsenal 6-0 Ludogorets (Champions League)<br />
<br />
<b><i>Mesut Ozil</i></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">1 goal</span>, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">1 assist</span>, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;">1 key pass</span><br />
West Ham 1-5 Arsenal (Premier League)<br />
<br />
<b><i>Mesut Ozil</i></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">1 assist</span>, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;">2 key passes</span><br />
Basel 1-4 Arsenal (Champions League)<br />
<br />
<b><i>Olivier Giroud</i></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">1 goal</span>, 2 assists</span><br />
Bournemouth 3-3 Arsenal (Premier League)<br />
<br />
<b><i>Theo Walcott</i></b><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">3 goals</span><br />
Southampton 0-5 Arsenal (FA Cup)The Backwards Goonerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15311668350515790920noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5399720246281786432.post-76138740639030600732011-09-06T00:08:00.001+01:002017-07-13T12:05:22.595+01:00Robin van Persie 2010/2011<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u>Season Stats:</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
26 starts + 7 sub apps</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
22 goals</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
7 assists</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1 key pass</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u>Premier League Stats:</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
18 goals</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
-Highest at Arsenal; 3rd highest in PL (Berbatov/Tevez 20)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
3.4 shots per game</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
-Highest at Arsenal; 3rd highest in PL (Sturridge/Suarez 3.6)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
7 assists</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
-3rd highest at Arsenal (Arshavin/Fabregas 11)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1.8 chances created per game</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
-3rd highest at Arsenal (Fabregas 2.9)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
0.7 successful dribbles per game</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
-Highest of Arsenal strikers</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1.1 clearances per game</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
-Highest of Arsenal strikers</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u>High Point</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Scored the equalising goal at home against Barcelona in the Champions League 2nd round. Going into the game on the back of a rich vein of goalscoring form, van Persie proved his big-game credentials with a superb near-post volley that caught Victor Valdes by surprise and gave Arsenal the belief to go on and grab the winner, which they duly did.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u>Low Point</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sent off in the return leg of the Champions League 2nd round tie at the Camp Nou. The Dutchman had endured a frustrating evening as Arsenal struggled for long periods to pass the ball out of their own half, and after being booked for a push on Alves in the 1st half, van Persie received his marching orders in the 56th minute when he kicked the ball out of play a second after the ref had blown for offside. Arsenal's remaining 10 men buckled under the waves of Barcelona attacks and went out 4-3 on aggregate.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="345" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/j9L94EO9PZw" width="560"></iframe></div>
The Backwards Goonerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15311668350515790920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5399720246281786432.post-56532515750445095792011-09-03T17:57:00.000+01:002017-07-13T12:05:54.368+01:00Marouane Chamakh 2010/2011<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong><u>Season Stats</u></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
27 starts + 17 sub apps</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
11 goals</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
4 assists</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
5 key passes</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong><u>Premier League Stats</u></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
7 goals</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
-4th highest at Arsenal (RVP 18)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1.4 shots per game</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
-6th highest at Arsenal (RVP 3.4)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
4 assists</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
-5th highest at Arsenal (Arshavin/Fabregas 11)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1.4 chances created per game</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
-6th highest at Arsenal (Fabregas 2.9)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
78% pass success rate</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
-2nd lowest of Arsenal outfield players (Arshavin 75%)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
47% aerial duel success rate</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
-Highest of Arsenal centre forwards</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1 tackle per game</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
-Highest of Arsenal centre forwards</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
0.7 interceptions per game</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
-Highest of Arsenal centre forwards</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2 turnovers per game</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
-Highest at Arsenal</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong><u>High point</u></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Scored both goals in a tough away win at Wolves in the Premier League. Chamakh set a Premier League record by finding the net in both the 1st and 90th minute of the game, the 1st a trademark header from a cross, the 2nd a composed finish from a quick counterattack.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong><u>Low point</u></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Partially at fault for Arsenal's comical home defeat to Tottenham in the league. After scoring in the 1st half to help put the Gunners two goals up, Chamakh twice spurned good goalscoring opportunities by turning back away from goal and passing to teammates, a feature of his game that was to become more apparent during his loss of form in the second half of the season.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="345" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/wj9WDEvDkWQ" width="560"></iframe></div>
The Backwards Goonerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15311668350515790920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5399720246281786432.post-43401216428671545892011-08-27T21:46:00.000+01:002017-07-13T12:06:01.210+01:00Jack Wilshere 2010/2011, Part 2Highlights of the young Englishman from January to March:<br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="349" id="viddler-25e778c6" mozallowfullscreen="true" src="//www.viddler.com/embed/25e778c6/?f=1&autoplay=0&player=full&secret=90993550&loop=0&nologo=0&hd=0" webkitallowfullscreen="true" width="545"></iframe>The Backwards Goonerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15311668350515790920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5399720246281786432.post-35433170442772123062011-08-26T14:20:00.000+01:002017-07-13T12:06:06.905+01:00Wojciech Szczesny 2010/2011<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u>Season Stats</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
24 starts</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
25 goals conceded</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
9 clean sheets</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
72 saves</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Most saves in a game: 9 - Newcastle 0-4 Arsenal (LC)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u>High point</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After spending a season on loan at Brentford, made a wonderful return to Arsenal duty with an incredible all-round performance away at Newcastle in the League Cup. His combination of aerial prowess, big frame and cat-like reflexes ensured that Arsenal left with a clean sheet and - more importantly - demonstrated that he was ready to establish himself as the club's no.1.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u>Low Point</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Partially at fault for Arsenal's inability to see out their lead in the 3-3 draw at Tottenham in the league. Although the young Pole dominated his box and made some excellent saves throughout the match, he could have done better for Spurs' first two goals and gave away a cheap penalty for their equaliser.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="345" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/EO1gBh6y164" width="560"></iframe></div>
The Backwards Goonerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15311668350515790920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5399720246281786432.post-18869969738099225282011-08-24T22:12:00.000+01:002017-07-13T12:06:15.830+01:00Arsenal Funny Moments 2010/2011<iframe frameborder="0" height="349" id="viddler-4af4559d" mozallowfullscreen="true" src="//www.viddler.com/embed/4af4559d/?f=1&autoplay=0&player=full&secret=18871994&loop=0&nologo=0&hd=0" webkitallowfullscreen="true" width="545"></iframe>The Backwards Goonerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15311668350515790920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5399720246281786432.post-17231628254081579542011-08-21T17:49:00.013+01:002017-07-13T12:10:31.857+01:00Real Madrid Attacking Statistics 2011/2012(Click on tabs underneath to see different categories)<br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="420" src="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/pub?hl=en_GB&hl=en_GB&key=0Ah7u42YtmPwwdEhNTUVtNXNTWlJEOEN1aHN4cDZSbGc&output=html&widget=true" width="690"></iframe><br />
<br />
<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Standout attacking performances:</span></u></b><br />
<br />
<b><i>Cristiano Ronaldo</i></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">3 goals</span>, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;">1 key pass</span><br />
Real Zaragoza 0-6 Real Madrid (La Liga)<br />
<br />
<i><b>Cristiano Ronaldo</b></i><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">3 goals</span><br />
Real Madrid 6-2 Rayo Vallecano (La Liga)<br />
<br />
<b><i>Gonzalo Higuain</i></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">3 goals</span><br />
Espanyol 0-4 Real Madrid (La Liga)<br />
<br />
<b><i>Gonzalo Higuain</i></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">3 goals</span><br />
Real Madrid 4-1 Real Betis (La Liga)<br />
<br />
<b><i>Marcelo</i></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">1 goal</span>, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">1 assist</span>, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;">1 key pass</span><br />
Real Zaragoza 0-6 Real Madrid (La Liga)<br />
<br />
<i><b>Mesut Ozil</b></i><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">2 assists</span>, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;">1 key pass</span><br />
Real Madrid 6-2 Rayo Vallecano (La Liga)The Backwards Goonerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15311668350515790920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5399720246281786432.post-84879976391348667022011-08-21T11:49:00.018+01:002017-07-13T13:38:07.750+01:00Barcelona Attacking Statistics 2011/2012(Click on tabs underneath to see different categories)<br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="560" src="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/pub?hl=en_GB&hl=en_GB&key=0Ah7u42YtmPwwdEI5ejB4V1g3QUJhejh0akpVM0pjQ2c&output=html&widget=true" width="690"></iframe><br />The Backwards Goonerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15311668350515790920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5399720246281786432.post-33285148584523007962011-08-18T02:02:00.017+01:002017-07-31T17:45:55.361+01:00Arsenal Attacking Statistics 2011/2012(Click on tabs underneath to see different categories)<br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="580" src="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/pub?hl=en_GB&hl=en_GB&key=0Ah7u42YtmPwwdE9KYjZkdlJkNjVWRl9qUDA2cDZuMlE&output=html&widget=true" width="690"></iframe><br />The Backwards Goonerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15311668350515790920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5399720246281786432.post-14529856099679320842011-08-11T21:47:00.001+01:002017-07-13T12:07:57.557+01:00Alex Song 2010/2011, Part 2<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u>Season Stats</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
39 starts + 3 sub apps</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
5 goals</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
3 assists</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
7 key passes</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u>Premier League Stats</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
79 tackles won (77% success rate)<br />
-11 highest in league; 2nd highest at Arsenal (Clichy 90)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
48% aerial duel success rate<br />
-3rd highest of Arsenal midfielders (Rosicky 63%)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2.6 interceptions per game<br />
-Highest of Arsenal midfielders; 4th highest at Arsenal (Vermaelen 3.6)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2 clearances per game</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
-Highest of Arsenal midfielders</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
0.4 shots blocked per game<br />
-Highest of Arsenal midfielders</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2.2 fouls per game<br />
-Highest at Arsenal</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
0.9 opposition dribbles allowed per game<br />
-4th highest of Arsenal midfielders (Denilson 1.6)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1 chance created per game</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
-8th highest at Arsenal (Fabregas 2.9)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1.1 successful dribbles per game</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
-5th highest at Arsenal (Diaby 2.3)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2 times dispossessed per game</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
-4th highest at Arsenal (Fabregas/Nasri 2.4)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u>High point</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Grabbed a late headed winner against a stubborn West Ham side at the Emirates, after a good all-round display in the box-to-box role. Having started the move by spreading the ball out wide, Song made what was to become a trademark surge into the box, and nodded in Clichy's inswinging cross to the delight of Arsenal fans.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u>Low point</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sent off away at Sunderland in the league, forcing Arsenal to (unsuccessfully) defend an aerial onslaught with 10 men for the remainder of the match. Although the yellows seemed harsh, Song's habit of persistently conceding niggling fouls finally caught up with him, and Arsenal caved in when a high ball into the box in the 5th minute of stoppage time wasn't dealt with adequately.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<iframe frameborder="0" height="349" id="viddler-33ee48ab" mozallowfullscreen="true" src="//www.viddler.com/embed/33ee48ab/?f=1&autoplay=0&player=full&secret=21747501&loop=0&nologo=0&hd=0" webkitallowfullscreen="true" width="545"></iframe></div>
The Backwards Goonerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15311668350515790920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5399720246281786432.post-91297626710665855382011-08-08T19:31:00.002+01:002017-07-13T12:07:49.339+01:00Tomas Rosicky 2010/2011<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u>Season Stats</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
19 starts + 15 sub apps</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1 goal</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
5 assists</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
11 key passes</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u>Premier League Stats</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1 assist</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
-10th highest at Arsenal (Arshavin/Fabregas 11)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1.3 chances created per game</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
-7th highest at Arsenal (Fabregas 2.9)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
0.5 accurate throughballs per game</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
-2nd highest at Arsenal (Fabregas 1.5)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
0.7 times disposesssed per game</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
-11th highest at Arsenal (Fabregas/Nasri 2.4)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
0.8 successful dribbles per game</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
-8th highest at Arsenal (Diaby 2.3)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
63% aerial duel success rate</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
-3rd highest at Arsenal (Vermaelen 73%)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u>High point</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Filled in expertly for Cesc Fabregas in the 6-0 demolition of newly-promoted Blackpool, with a master display of creativity. In a display that was reflective of his early season performances, Rosicky tore the Seasiders apart with his throughballs, providing key passes for 2 goals and a penalty which Arshavin converted.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u>Low point</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Put in a shambolic defensive performance when subbed on during Arsenal's embarassing 4-4 draw at Newcastle. After Diaby's 2nd half dismissal, Rosicky was brought on to shore up the midfield but instead played Leon Best onside for a (disallowed) goal, gave away a penalty and conceded the freekick that led to Newcastle's equaliser.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Vyq5PGQj6kY" width="560"></iframe></div>
The Backwards Goonerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15311668350515790920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5399720246281786432.post-4923339390246715582011-08-07T17:45:00.002+01:002017-07-13T12:07:40.296+01:00Alex Song 2010/2011, Part 1Highlights of the defensive midfield stalwart from the first half of the season:<br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="349" id="viddler-9d855ff" mozallowfullscreen="true" src="//www.viddler.com/embed/9d855ff/?f=1&autoplay=0&player=full&secret=84944057&loop=0&nologo=0&hd=0" webkitallowfullscreen="true" width="545"></iframe>The Backwards Goonerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15311668350515790920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5399720246281786432.post-18473657267045400592011-08-05T02:28:00.005+01:002017-07-13T12:07:32.271+01:00Laurent Koscielny 2010/2011, Part 2<div style="color: #2b2b2b; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;">
<b><u>Season Stats</u></b></div>
<div style="color: #2b2b2b; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #2b2b2b; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;">
43 starts</div>
<div style="color: #2b2b2b; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;">
3 goals<br />
1 assist<br />
1 key pass<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #2b2b2b; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;">
<div style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;">
<b><u>Premier League Stats</u></b></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;">
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">47 tackles won (78% completion rate)</span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: #2b2b2b; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;">
<div style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #2b2b2b; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">-Highest of Arsenal centre backs</span></div>
</div>
<div style="color: #2b2b2b; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;">
<div style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;">
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small; line-height: normal;"></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2b2b2b; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">53% aerial duel success rate</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2b2b2b;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">-Joint 3rd highest of Arsenal centre backs (Vermaelen 73%, Djourou 58%)</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2b2b2b;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2b2b2b; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">2.8 interceptions per game</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2b2b2b;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">-2nd highest of Arsenal centre backs (Vermaelen 3.6)</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2b2b2b; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">1.5 offsides won per game</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2b2b2b;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">-Joint 3rd highest of Arsenal centre backs (Vermaelen 2, Squillaci 1.7)</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2b2b2b;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2b2b2b; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">6.9 clearances per game</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2b2b2b;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">-Highest of Arsenal centre backs (Djourou 6.2)</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2b2b2b;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2b2b2b; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">0.5 opposition dribbles allowed per game</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2b2b2b;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">-Highest of Arsenal centre backs (Djourou 0.3)</span></span></div>
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0.4 shots blocked per game</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #2b2b2b;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">-Joint 3rd highest of Arsenal centre backs (Djourou 0.7, Squillaci 0.5)</span></span></div>
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<b><u>High point</u></b></div>
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Thwarted Barcelona's attackers time and time again in the 1st leg of the Champions League 2nd round. Stepping up from his defensive line regularly, Koscielny set the pace for Arsenal's pressing game and a key interception inside his own box started the move for Arshavin's winning goal.</div>
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<b><u>Low point</u></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span">Cost Arsenal the chance to end their trophyless streak with his last minute blunder in the League Cup final. A routine aerial ball into the area should have been Szczesny's but Koscielny swung a leg out, missed, and in the ensuing confusion allowed Obafemi Martins to tap in an easy winner for Birmingham City.</span></div>
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The Backwards Goonerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15311668350515790920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5399720246281786432.post-46552258486540316712011-08-01T21:14:00.004+01:002017-07-13T12:07:24.580+01:00Cesc Fabregas 2010/2011, Part 3<div style="color: #2b2b2b; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;">
<b><u>Season Stats</u></b></div>
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29 starts + 7 sub apps</div>
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9 goals<br />
15 assists<br />
12 key passes<br />
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<b><u>Premier League Stats</u></b></div>
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11 assists</div>
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-3rd highest in PL (14), joint highest at Arsenal (Arshavin)<br />
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2.9 chances created per game</div>
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-3rd highest in PL (3.1), highest at Arsenal (Nasri 1.9)</div>
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1.5 accurate throughballs per game</div>
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-Highest in Europe</div>
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3.1 accurate long passes per game<br />
-Joint highest of Arsenal outfield players (Wilshere)</div>
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2.4 times dispossessed per game</div>
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-Joint highest at Arsenal (Nasri)<br />
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1 successful dribble per game<br />
-6th highest at Arsenal (Diaby 2.3)<br />
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<b><u>High point</u></b></div>
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Put in a real captain's performance in Arsenal's morale-boosting 3-1 win over bogey team Chelsea, scoring a goal and setting up two more. The result put Arsenal right back in contention for the title and gave them the belief that they could go toe to toe with the biggest teams.</div>
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<b><u>Low point</u></b></div>
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Gifted Barcelona a crucial goal in the Champions League with a careless backheel on the edge of his own box. Although clearly unfit, his act of recklessness gave Barcelona the lead just before half-time, undoing all of Arsenal's good work in preserving their aggregate advantage.</div>
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<span style="color: #2b2b2b; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="349" id="viddler-b6d3fea0" mozallowfullscreen="true" src="//www.viddler.com/embed/b6d3fea0/?f=1&autoplay=0&player=full&secret=80963260&loop=0&nologo=0&hd=0" webkitallowfullscreen="true" width="545"></iframe></span></span></div>
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The Backwards Goonerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15311668350515790920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5399720246281786432.post-4033591523577745642011-07-31T23:36:00.001+01:002017-07-13T12:07:16.344+01:00Gael Clichy 2010/2011 - Farewell<div style="color: #2b2b2b; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;">
<b><u>Season Stats</u></b></div>
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40 starts + 4 sub apps</div>
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1 goal<br />
2 assists<br />
1 key pass<br />
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<b><u>Premier League Stats</u></b><br />
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90 tackles won (81% success)<br />
-Highest of PL defenders, 4th highest overall (111)<br />
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3.2 interceptions per game</div>
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-3rd highest of PL defenders, 4th highest overall (3.6)<br />
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0.8 opposition dribbles allowed per game<br />
-Highest of Arsenal defenders (Koscielny 0.5)<br />
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51% aerial duel success rate<br />
-3rd highest of Arsenal fullbacks (Sagna 67%, Gibbs 55%)<br />
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0.6 chances created per game<br />
-2nd highest of Arsenal fullbacks (Sagna 0.7)<br />
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0.5 accurate crosses per game<br />
-2nd highest of Arsenal fullbacks (Sagna 1.0)<br />
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<b><u>High point</u></b></div>
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Set up an 88th minute winner at home to West Ham in the league, ending an afternoon of frustration for the Gunners. Having cut inside his marker from the left flank, the Frenchman delivered a teasing right-footed cross onto the head of the lurking Alex Song to send the Arsenal fans into raptures.</div>
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<b><u>Low point</u></b></div>
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At fault for Shakhtar's winning goal in Arsenal's 2-1 loss in the Champions League group stage, a result which ultimately would cost the Gunners top spot. From a seemingly routine clearance situation on the left flank, Clichy managed to gift the ball to Darijo Srna, who crossed for Gunners' old-boy Eduardo to score.</div>
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<span style="color: #2b2b2b; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="349" id="viddler-a92ed95f" mozallowfullscreen="true" src="//www.viddler.com/embed/a92ed95f/?f=1&autoplay=0&player=full&secret=85578234&loop=0&nologo=0&hd=0" webkitallowfullscreen="true" width="545"></iframe></span></span></div>
The Backwards Goonerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15311668350515790920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5399720246281786432.post-57314574020956048742011-07-20T17:59:00.002+01:002017-07-13T12:07:09.840+01:00Manuel Almunia 2010/2011<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u>Season Stats</u></b></div>
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13 starts + 1 sub app</div>
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16 goals conceded</div>
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4 clean sheets</div>
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40 saves</div>
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Most saves in a game: 8 - Barcelona 3-1 Arsenal (CL)</div>
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<b><u>High point</u></b></div>
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In the FA Cup 4th round tie against Huddersfield, kept out a header from Alan Lee with a world-class fingertip save following an acrobatic dive.</div>
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<b><u>Low point</u></b></div>
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Heavily at fault for the 2-3 home defeat to newly-promoted West Brom, a performance which saw him lose his status as no.1.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/UAkcAdlPGtA" width="560"></iframe></div>
The Backwards Goonerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15311668350515790920noreply@blogger.com0