Wins based on possession %

[youngbob]

Just had a look at our record in the PL this season depending on whether we have more/less possession.

In games where we've had at least 50% possession, our record is P8 W4 D0 L4 (50% winrate). In games where we've had less than 49% possession, our record is P4 W3 D1 L0 (75% winrate) - and in those four games we've played United, Liverpool, Bournemouth, and Arsenal.

The games we've won with more possession have been against Wolves, Everton, Burnley, and Brentford. So two sides fighting to stay up and two teams who will be finishing in the bottom half. It seems pretty clear that against the bigger, better teams, we need to give up the ball.

Hopefully we go back to that system soon.

In terms of our next five PL games, against Leeds we'll be able to have more of the ball and win. Fulham too. Sunderland, I'd like to see us sit deeper and let them have a go at us. Same with Palace away. Then against West Ham we can try the same system that beat Everton, Burnley, et al.

Gonna keep this going through the rest of the season and see what the figures end up as.

 

[Corky]

Part of it is taking early leads and conceding possession.

 

[TonyM]

I put it down to Pep's tactics going forward not being right for the players we have. We have ...
1 creative midfielder
1 generational striker
1 amazing dribbler
1 long shot scorer

Our success has to come from the 4 of these players syncing together to create and convert chances at a much higher rate. That is immensely difficult against packed defences. But I think it is possible if it is less predictable.

Pep took off 2 and one wasn't at his best. Maybe 2 weren't at their best. Sure what hope had we then.

We basically have to win games in the first half because our squad isn't hugely strong from an attacking perspective so subs will rarely make us more dangerous.

Hopefully we'll see progress as the season advances. I doubt it'll be enough to make us genuine contenders though.