A few observations from the stats (Watford)

[Coolblade]

A few observations from the stats:

- For the second game running, we won the xG battle 2.11 v 1.13, with shots on target (6 v 1) and a particularly high aerial duel success rate (62.5%) with most corners (7 v 3). We did concede possession (40% v 60%)

- McCallum had the highest positive contribution with most key passes (3), 2 shots (1 on target), 2 interceptions, and 1 aerial won

- Defensively, McGuinness with 6 aerial duels (joint most) 4 clearances (second most in team) 5 shots (most), 2 on target, 82% pass completion and Ben Mee also with 6 aerial duels, and 7 clearances and 87% pass completion created a defensive foundation coupled with reliable passing

- In midfield, Soumaré (4 tackles, 1 interception) provided strong defensive midfield screening with Peck (2 tackles, 85.7% pass completion) showed excellent distribution, with Riedewald with 100% pass accuracy and 1 shot

- Creatively, and despite some subjective observations, Barry had most key passes (4) with second most crosses (7) but impressively most accurate crosses by a distance (6) - one of our highest this season. Compare with Ogbene with most crosses (8) but with none accurate. O'Hare with 2 shots, one goal, 2 tackles, 2 interceptions had a more balanced contribution than recent games.

- Offensively we still have striker Isolation. Campbell and Ings minimal involvement with 11 passes between them, with just 1 shot suggests service issues and tactical disconnect. Also I’m a bit concerned about set piece dependence when Mark McGuinness is our most offensive contributor!

A vital win, we are off the bottom, and showing far more grit. It’s only one step in the right direction but a crucial one. And we love a Sheffield double!

 

[bertieblade]

Many thanks for the observations
Did not expect Barry to feature with 6 accurate crosses, do the stats include corners .

 

[Coolblade]

A cross is defined as “An attempted/accurate pass from a wide position to a central attacking area’ so does include corners.

As discussed last game, the accuracy rate very much depends on the receiver too. So if crossing into the box with O’Hare and Ogbene the target, then the chances of an accurate cross are slim. Here the fact McGuinness and Mee were so dominant aids Barry’s stats. But with Hamer and Burrows missing, the fact we were more dangerous from corners was noticeable.

 

[bakeblade]

Many thanks for the observations
Did not expect Barry to feature with 6 accurate crosses, do the stats include corners .

His corners were good, the rest of his performance awful

 

[Slugger]

His corners were good, the rest of his performance awful

Agree. A great example of how stats can be misleading.
Anyone who watched that could see that Barry's performance was way below what Ogbene offered us.
Crossing the ball from a corner and crossing it under pressure from 2 defenders after making a lung-bursting run to get clear are two very very different things.
I think at least 2 of Ogbene's crosses that the stats would deem "inaccurate" were blocked to earn us a corner.

 

[Kenilworth]

Many thanks for the observations
Did not expect Barry to feature with 6 accurate crosses, do the stats include corners .

That’s what I was thinking. It must have included corners. They were very good though. His only real contribution of note, for me.
There’s a talent there but he’s not physically strong enough for the Champ - hence his many loans from Villa as they must see the same.

 

[bakeblade]

Agree. A great example of how stats can be misleading.
Anyone who watched that could see that Barry's performance was way below what Ogbene offered us.
Crossing the ball from a corner and crossing it under pressure from 2 defenders after making a lung-bursting run to get clear are two very very different things.
I think at least 2 of Ogbene's crosses that the stats would deem "inaccurate" were blocked to earn us a corner.

Barry didn’t look capable of making a lung busting run, he looked absolutely knackered after about 10 minutes.

 

[bertieblade]

He obviously has no confidence as there were times when he just did not show for the ball, especially when McCallum was venturing forward which speaks volumes for how both played as McCallum had to do his job as well.
Barry is definitely not strong enough but how did he manage to score the goals he has as the lower leagues are possibly more physical. Unfortunately another one who will find it difficult to step up and needs, if possible to be returned to base in January, possibly bringing JRS back if he can be released from his recent loan where he has played 3 and scored 3

 

[Bladesman]

Barry didn’t look capable of making a lung busting run, he looked absolutely knackered after about 10 minutes.

He either isn't fully fit or just phoning it in.