23/04 - 20:00
23/04 - 20:00
There were some big results and performances across the English top flight this Saturday - and here's a selection of insightful stats to mull over.
Passes completed: Manchester City (481 Passes)
Stats don't always tell the full story, and our opener this week illustrates that fact. The defending Premier League champions may have racked up the most accurate passes in the division this week (481), but that's not going to papers over the cracks of a 0-0 draw with Southampton.
Pep Guardiola has always distanced himself from 'tiki taka' football, but if his side continues to pass the ball well, but fail to find the net, then he could find the term regularly bandied around in the media soon.
Possession: Aston Villa (56%)
Dean Smith's Villa recorded a statement win this Saturday with a 3-0 victory over previously unbeaten Everton.
The Villans enjoyed a division high 56% possession in their blitz of the Toffees in the day's late kick off, and their convincing display suggests there may well very well be life after Grealish.
Total tackles: Crystal Palace (22)
Another misleading stat. Patrick Vieira's Eagles travelled to Anfield fresh from a fine win over Spurs, and an attempted 22 tackles against Liverpool suggests they were competitive against Jurgen Klopp's side.
However, Palace only completed 13 of those 22 tackles and the stat that really matters is that they lost 3-0. One step forwatrd, one step backward.
Most shots: Liverpool (25)
The Reds had taken more shots than any team across Europe's 'Top 6' leagues going into their contest against Palace, and they didn't let up.
Liverpool took on a total of 25 shots, 10 of which were on target, and their ability to pepper the target bodes well for their prospects this season.
