After three games last season, we had already shipped 47 of the 112 goals we would ultimately concede in what was our initialis hiatus horribilus of an opening 6 fixtures. Conversely, Robin van Persie had already bagged 14 of his final tally of 226 league goals for the season and Chelsea were sitting proud at the top of the PL with a goal difference of +39. Of course, those statistics are mince but that is what it felt like, and it's what the PL has felt like for a number of years now; turn a match on, watch a veritable goal-fest. The actual statistics I'd like to point out are threefold and as follows: 1. At this point last season 85 goals had been scored. 2. To date, this season has yielded a mere 54 goals (including Palace v Sunderland) placing the PL in an unbelievable 252nd (252nd!!) place in a worldwide league of goals per game: http://www.soccervista.com/soccer_leagues_ordered_by_number_of_goals.php 3. For the first time in living memory, I am not interested in watching MOTD tonight (as a statistic, this represents a 100% reversal in attitude). So, have teams finally learned how to defend again? Is the supposed gulf between the big boys and also rans closing? Have there been so many signings that teams are still gelling throughout the league? Is it just a blip? If you'd just paid £1.2bn for the TV rights, would you be wringing out your knickers?
Its because nearly every team bar the top ones decide to keep it tight after the first goal has been scored.
Not sure about the defenses, but I've seen some rather unambitious attacks in the games that I've watched so far. Hoping that it's just early-season caginess, but it has made for some dire viewing.
Had me for a moment there. I was thinking "Van Persie, 226 league goals for the season?" I knew he was good, but...
Interesting statistics from the OP in this thread.............Going on from that and some of the comments written in regards to the lesser amount of goals. I was trying to remember the last time I saw Chelski turn up and play a defensive line up to try to ensure there was no loss rather than gain a win, as they did against United. The thinking behind it seems to be perhaps that "Ok lets make sure we don't lose against the big boys," but..... "we can do better than them against the rest" to gain the title. Is this the sign of the times perhaps...... that may indeed be why teams appear to be more defensive including ourselves, or am I way off? I appreciate though it is only 3 games and may be a bit early to make that kind of analysis.
I don't think Chelsea are a great example because I remember Mourinho as a manager far more concerned with results than entertainment. I don't remember Chelsea being a particularly exciting team last time he was in charge there.
I remember this time last season the experts criticizing the leagues poor quality because of the amount of goals being scored. The art of defending is dead they said. Agree that I'd sooner see goals, goals, goals or at least chance, chance, chance. Sadly watching saints had not yet yielded end to end football this season. I personally think the possession is king philosophy which has come across as a result of the success of Barcelona and similar sides has led to a risk aversion brand of football. How often do we see criticism on this forum for players giving the ball away even though that pass or dribble could of created a great chance of a goal
