Coolblade
Member
- Joined
- May 11, 2015
- Messages
- 244
- Reaction score
- 1,443
A few observations from the stats:
Another clean sheet, three points, and out of the relegation zone.
Another Sheffield double. Onward and upward!
UTB!
- The Red Card changed everything: The game was pretty much a stalemate until the 39th minute. Portsmouth looked comfortable and frustration was building. The moment Devlin handled Tanganga’s header on the line, the contest effectively ended. He saw red, Peck buried the penalty, and from that point on, it was an attack-vs-defence training drill.
- While our final Possession (65.3% to 34.7%) and Total Passes (465 to 248) showed complete control, we must acknowledge that over 50 minutes of play against 10 men heavily inflated these numbers. But we used the extra man perfectly, dominating the ball. Portsmouth were forced to chase shadows, losing possession 55 times in their own defensive half as they tried to clear their lines. We didn't force passes; we just waited for the gaps to appear, which they inevitably did
- xG and Ruthless Efficiency: Our final xG of 2.27 was nearly 28 times greater than Portsmouth’s 0.08. Even discounting the penalty, our non-penalty xG still reflects significant, unrelenting pressure that Portsmouth, especially shorthanded, simply couldn't withstand. Again we generated 9 Key Passes compared to their 4, showing we created more moments of genuine danger, mostly after the red card.
- Aerial Supremacy: We won 62% of all Aerial Duels (24 to 15), proving we dominated the physical battle and denied Portsmouth any route one success. This defensive assurance was key to maintaining control.
- Dribbling Efficiency: Although our Dribble Success % (38%) was lower than Portsmouth's (67%), we were far more proactive, attempting 8 total dribbles to their 3. This indicates an increased willingness to commit players and take risks, which has been absent most of this season.
- Midfield control: Peck and Riedewald had freedom after the sending off. Peck had great stats converting the pressure penalty and dictating the tempo with 65 passes. With Portsmouth sitting deep, he had time to pick his spots, and his defensive work (3 clearances, 2 interceptions) ensured they couldn't counter.
- Impact off the bench: It’s rare to see us improve on a dominant performance late on, but Hamer’s introduction added gloss. He came on when legs were tired, managed 3 shots, and grabbed a magnificent goal.
- O'Hare (7.71): The creative heartbeat and officially Man of the Match. Most key passes (3), most dribbles, second most crosses. Once the space opened up, he was drifting between the lines and linking everything.
- Peck (7.71): A mature display. Took the penalty with ice in his veins and controlled the midfield engine room. A balanced performance with three aerial duels won, second most crosses, six successful defensive interventions etc. and a goal!
- McCallum (7.42): Most crosses (6) most successful crosses, and second most key passes
- Tanganga (7.40): His header forced the red card incident. Defensively sound, but his threat on set-pieces broke the deadlock.
- Bamford (7.42): Led the line well, took 3 shots, and got his goal. His movement kept their centre backs pinned back, creating space for others
Another clean sheet, three points, and out of the relegation zone.
Another Sheffield double. Onward and upward!
UTB!
