If the first eight games of the season were decided on expected goals (xG) and expected goals against (xGA), Newcastle United would sit top of the Premier League.
No Premier League side has amassed a better xG (18.78) than Eddie Howe’s Mags over the first two months of the season, while our xGA is behind only Man City (5.48) at 7.84.
Based on these metrics, the statisticians claim we have accumulated an expected points total of 16.34; more than any other side in the Premier League.
Football is played on grass, not on paper, and there’s some who refuse to buy into the xG/xGA models. However, it shows we’re going in the right direction at the very least and should continue on an upwards trajectory if we continue to perform this well at both ends, especially when you considering our tough opening fixtures.
See the full league table below (via Understat) based on xG, xGA and xPTS:
Expected Goals (xG)
- 18.78 – Newcastle United
- 18.74 – Liverpool
- 18.26 – Brighton
Expected Goals Against (xGA)
- 5.48 – Man City
- 7.84 – Newcastle United
- 7.85 – Arsenal
Expected Points (xPTS)
- 16.34 – Newcastle United
- 14.70 – Liverpool
- 13.12 – Brighton
Surely, the only thing this “table” tells us is how totally worthless these imagined stats are?
BykerBill(Quote)