I came across the following bit of statto-work on Craven Cottage Newsround today, and thought I'd pass it on. It's a table comparing our points total at this stage (i.e. after 26 matches) of each of our Premier League seasons. The original poster helpfully has included the manager of the time and the final points total for each year: 2011-2012: 33 (Jol) 2010-2011: 30 (Hughes) (final points: 49) 2009-2010: 34 (Hodgson) (46) 2008-2009: 34 (Hodgson) (53) 2007-2008: 19 (Sanchez/Hodgson) (36) 2006-2007: 32 (Coleman) (39) 2005-2006: 32 (Coleman) (48) 2004-2005: 29 (Coleman) (44) 2003-2004: 35 (Tigana) (52) 2002-2003: 30 (Tigana) (48) 2001-2002: 35 (Tigana) (44) So, we've been doing better four times (two Tigana seasons, two Hodgson) and worse six times. There's only one season - Coleman's last - where a points tally of close to where we are now has left us below the magic 40pts at the end of the season. What can we tell from this? On paper, based on these stats, we're well on course for a final points score comfortably in the mid 40s (although I know that football isn't played on paper, it's played on grass). Even with that disclaimer, this is reassuring: we're doing all right. The figure that really stands out is just how badly we were doing under Sanchez and before Hodgson's change in approach started to bear fruit. It's a fresh reminder of what a disastrous appointment that was.
Thanks for this Captain. Yes, that figure of 19 makes me shudder! One other point worth making given that we're on almost the same number of points as we were at this stage in 2009 and 2010 is that our position in 2009 was more similar to where we are now than where we were in 2010 with the European run in still to go. Again with the grass/paper disclaimer but that would suggest that we're (hopefully) heading for nearer 50 points than 40.
Captain good stats. What I get from this table is that we have established ourselves in the PL but we need to be very careful on choices we make (dip under Sanchez). Generally, I believe that MAF (board etc.) and Jol have in mind that with the right mix of players, investment (larger ground, academies, foundation) and ambition/will we can move further up the table and have more frequent European tours. I would avoid going into further comparison because we need to see the mix of the teams around us. In certain seasons some of the teams promoted were really poor or the team to be relegated were known much earlier. This season all 3 that came up are relatively stronger.
But in the last 6 games we are London's Pride - and look who is bottom - Played. W. L. D. PTS 1. Fulham. 6. 3. 1. 2. 11. 2. Arsenal. 6. 3. 2. 1. 10. 3. Spurs. 5. 3. 1. 1. 10. 4. QPR. 5. 1. 4. 0. 3. 5. Chelsea. 4. 0. 2. 2. 2.
Not really the last 6 if Chelsea have played 4 and Q.P.R. and Spurs have played 5. And didn't Chelsea win their last game 3-0?
Fulhamireland makes a good point, but it's always nice to see us at the top of a table and Chelsea at the bottom. Who needs facts to justify that indulgence? Good work, Cottager!
Apologies Ireland - I missed out a key word - 'last 6 "derby" games'. This is how the London clubs have fared in the games played against each other so far this season. In a bit of a yoyo season (so far!) it's a very big positive.
Interesting stats Captain - Thanks! I know the answer, but what Sir Roy and our team did in The Great Escape to get us from the 19 point legacy from Tbird is still amazing. Given that we are on 33 points after the changes that MJ has been making is definately encouraging (My glass is normally half-full, not half-empty). C O Y W
Cheers Captain - good stat work. The 2006-7 season shows that we shouldn't be thinking that we're already safe from relegation, but you could make a case for that being the worst side we've had in the top flight: most of Tigana's signings had left, Hodgson hadn't arrived to rebuild, and Coleman was never given much money to spend. We have a much better side now so should be looking up the table and not down it, and I think the target should be to record our highest ever points tally in the PL. We have 6 winnable home games left (I'm still including Chelsea as winnable . . . it's about time!). The away games are tougher, including Man Utd, Liverpool, Spurs and Everton plus a Bolton side fighting for its life. 7 wins from that lot = 21 points + 33 = 54. I reckon it's about achievable. COYW!
That's about what I'd expected, just based on how things feel. If we can put together another good finish on the season, we could finish in the top 10.
