A few observations from the stats (Potters):

[Coolblade]

A few observations from the stats:

• We dominated the xG battle (2.53 v 0.27): Despite only 39% possession, we turned our moments into high-quality chances. Nineteen shots, eight on target, four goals with 50% conversion rate on shots on target. Stoke managed seven shots, just one on target, underlining how well we controlled their threat.

• First half blitz: 3–0 up at the break from just 6 shots and ruthless finishing. Our transitions ripped Stoke apart, and Seriki’s goal capped a half of controlled aggression.

• Second half control: We added a fourth and effectively shut the game down. Stoke had 61% possession overall but created almost nothing; just 0.27 xG all game. Whilst Stoke didn’t create much they did dictate tempo for spells after the break. We dropped very deep and allowed them to recycle the ball very easily. Our press intensity dipped after 60 minutes, with Stoke completing 90% of passes in the final third.

• Aerial dominance: We won 57.6% of aerial duels (19 of 33). Tanganga (5) and McGuinness (3) were key, giving us control in both boxes.

• Defensive discipline: Tanganga (9 clearances, 1 block) and McGuinness (5 clearances) made great contributions. Seriki added 4 tackles and 2 interceptions. Stoke managed only 1 shot on target, testament to our shape and organisation.

Individual standouts:

• Seriki (9.55): Man of the match. Goal, 2 key passes, 2 crosses, 2 dribbles (joint most), 4 successful tackles (most in team) , 2 interceptions, 3 clearances. Complete performance.
• Hamer (8.15): Creative hub. 5 key passes (most in team, next best 2) 8 crosses (next best 3), 4 successful crosses (next best 1), dictated tempo. Great to have him back.
• Bamford (8.00): Clinical. Goal, 2 shots, 2 key passes.
• McGuinness (7.92): Defensive solidity. Goal, 4 shots (2 on target), 5 clearances.
• Tanganga (7.64): Defensive leader. 9 clearances, 1 block, 5 aerial wins.

Passing accuracy in midfield: Peck had most touches but a low pass completion rate (52%) and generally we were below par in retention with our pass completion lower than we’d like. Our transitions were excellent, but when we needed to slow the game, we sometimes lacked composure. This is a recurring theme, we’re brilliant in chaos but would possibly like more control. I appreciate I’m being picky!

Tactics: 4-4-2 with aggressive wide overloads and vertical transitions. First half: pressed high, exploited space behind full-backs, and punished on counters. Second half: compact mid-block, killed space. Dominant at set pieces.

Limited progressive play through the middle and most creativity came from wide overloads (Seriki, McCallum, Hamer). Central penetration was minimal (was ever thus!). Bamford dropped deep better than we have seen, but we still at times lacked a central link player. If opponents block the flanks, we need an alternative route, although Hamer is certainly capable of causing chaos from any position.

Conclusion: First-half ruthlessness, second-half control. From 3–0 at half-time to a clean-sheet finish, this was a statement win

Four goals, a clean sheet, and morally another Sheffield double!

8 points from the play offs, 14 from automatic, with 27 games to go. Happy days.

UTB!

 

[SRBlade]

A few observations from the stats:

• We dominated the xG battle (2.53 v 0.27): Despite only 39% possession, we turned our moments into high-quality chances. Nineteen shots, eight on target, four goals with 50% conversion rate on shots on target. Stoke managed seven shots, just one on target, underlining how well we controlled their threat.

• First half blitz: 3–0 up at the break from just 6 shots and ruthless finishing. Our transitions ripped Stoke apart, and Seriki’s goal capped a half of controlled aggression.

• Second half control: We added a fourth and effectively shut the game down. Stoke had 61% possession overall but created almost nothing; just 0.27 xG all game. Whilst Stoke didn’t create much they did dictate tempo for spells after the break. We dropped very deep and allowed them to recycle the ball very easily. Our press intensity dipped after 60 minutes, with Stoke completing 90% of passes in the final third.

• Aerial dominance: We won 57.6% of aerial duels (19 of 33). Tanganga (5) and McGuinness (3) were key, giving us control in both boxes.

• Defensive discipline: Tanganga (9 clearances, 1 block) and McGuinness (5 clearances) made great contributions. Seriki added 4 tackles and 2 interceptions. Stoke managed only 1 shot on target, testament to our shape and organisation.

Individual standouts:

• Seriki (9.55): Man of the match. Goal, 2 key passes, 2 crosses, 2 dribbles (joint most), 4 successful tackles (most in team) , 2 interceptions, 3 clearances. Complete performance.
• Hamer (8.15): Creative hub. 5 key passes (most in team, next best 2) 8 crosses (next best 3), 4 successful crosses (next best 1), dictated tempo. Great to have him back.
• Bamford (8.00): Clinical. Goal, 2 shots, 2 key passes.
• McGuinness (7.92): Defensive solidity. Goal, 4 shots (2 on target), 5 clearances.
• Tanganga (7.64): Defensive leader. 9 clearances, 1 block, 5 aerial wins.

Passing accuracy in midfield: Peck had most touches but a low pass completion rate (52%) and generally we were below par in retention with our pass completion lower than we’d like. Our transitions were excellent, but when we needed to slow the game, we sometimes lacked composure. This is a recurring theme, we’re brilliant in chaos but would possibly like more control. I appreciate I’m being picky!

Tactics: 4-4-2 with aggressive wide overloads and vertical transitions. First half: pressed high, exploited space behind full-backs, and punished on counters. Second half: compact mid-block, killed space. Dominant at set pieces.

Limited progressive play through the middle and most creativity came from wide overloads (Seriki, McCallum, Hamer). Central penetration was minimal (was ever thus!). Bamford dropped deep better than we have seen, but we still at times lacked a central link player. If opponents block the flanks, we need an alternative route, although Hamer is certainly capable of causing chaos from any position.

Conclusion: First-half ruthlessness, second-half control. From 3–0 at half-time to a clean-sheet finish, this was a statement win

Four goals, a clean sheet, and morally another Sheffield double!

8 points from the play offs, 14 from automatic, with 27 games to go. Happy days.

UTB!

Also, is this our biggest xG against? The side that (still) has the best defence in the league?

 

[PokerBlade]

Buzzing for Seriki. Could see when he first made a few appearances that he's got all the attributes you want in a player. Selles' reign looked like it set him back massively.

 

[Coolblade]

Also, is this our biggest xG against? The side that (still) has the best defence in the league?

Yes it is. Although perhaps to demonstrate the need for context with statistical analysis, our next best was only a shade lower xG of 2.52 against Hull. A game we lost without scoring!

 

[The Vicar]

Stoke STILL have the best defensive record in the Championship, even after today!

 

[shorehamview]

Most important stats - we scored 4, they scored 0. Here endeth the lesson.

 

[Nedski]

Also, is this our biggest xG against? The side that (still) has the best defence in the league?

Had to check Stoke’s GA to believe this. Today was bloody brilliant

 

[Houston_Blade]

Also, is this our biggest xG against? The side that (still) has the best defence in the league?

They’ve obviously not had to defend against channel balls because we did it a lot today and they looked clueless. Bamford bullied the centre back as well.

The full back who was booked should have been sent off second half and the preening prick of a ref was very lenient in general play with them.

 

[Barmyblade]

Always great to see youth players come through - and I’d rather we played and developed our own kids rather than another clubs loaners. No loan players in the XI yesterday? (Although two short term contracts we need to tie up).

 

[Alex Cheeseright]

Most important stats - we scored 4, they scored 0. Here endeth the lesson.

You'll never make it as a Catholic priest!! Way too short.

 

[cooperblade]

Was looking at some season long stats last night.

We've had the most corners in the league (by 39!), the 2nd most touches in the opposition box, we win the ball in the final 3rd 25% more than any other team in the league and we have the 5th best xG.

Not bad for a team who lost their first 6 games.

 

[Flatulent_Bob]

A few observations from the stats:

• We dominated the xG battle (2.53 v 0.27): Despite only 39% possession, we turned our moments into high-quality chances. Nineteen shots, eight on target, four goals with 50% conversion rate on shots on target. Stoke managed seven shots, just one on target, underlining how well we controlled their threat.

• First half blitz: 3–0 up at the break from just 6 shots and ruthless finishing. Our transitions ripped Stoke apart, and Seriki’s goal capped a half of controlled aggression.

• Second half control: We added a fourth and effectively shut the game down. Stoke had 61% possession overall but created almost nothing; just 0.27 xG all game. Whilst Stoke didn’t create much they did dictate tempo for spells after the break. We dropped very deep and allowed them to recycle the ball very easily. Our press intensity dipped after 60 minutes, with Stoke completing 90% of passes in the final third.

• Aerial dominance: We won 57.6% of aerial duels (19 of 33). Tanganga (5) and McGuinness (3) were key, giving us control in both boxes.

• Defensive discipline: Tanganga (9 clearances, 1 block) and McGuinness (5 clearances) made great contributions. Seriki added 4 tackles and 2 interceptions. Stoke managed only 1 shot on target, testament to our shape and organisation.

Individual standouts:

• Seriki (9.55): Man of the match. Goal, 2 key passes, 2 crosses, 2 dribbles (joint most), 4 successful tackles (most in team) , 2 interceptions, 3 clearances. Complete performance.
• Hamer (8.15): Creative hub. 5 key passes (most in team, next best 2) 8 crosses (next best 3), 4 successful crosses (next best 1), dictated tempo. Great to have him back.
• Bamford (8.00): Clinical. Goal, 2 shots, 2 key passes.
• McGuinness (7.92): Defensive solidity. Goal, 4 shots (2 on target), 5 clearances.
• Tanganga (7.64): Defensive leader. 9 clearances, 1 block, 5 aerial wins.

Passing accuracy in midfield: Peck had most touches but a low pass completion rate (52%) and generally we were below par in retention with our pass completion lower than we’d like. Our transitions were excellent, but when we needed to slow the game, we sometimes lacked composure. This is a recurring theme, we’re brilliant in chaos but would possibly like more control. I appreciate I’m being picky!

Tactics: 4-4-2 with aggressive wide overloads and vertical transitions. First half: pressed high, exploited space behind full-backs, and punished on counters. Second half: compact mid-block, killed space. Dominant at set pieces.

Limited progressive play through the middle and most creativity came from wide overloads (Seriki, McCallum, Hamer). Central penetration was minimal (was ever thus!). Bamford dropped deep better than we have seen, but we still at times lacked a central link player. If opponents block the flanks, we need an alternative route, although Hamer is certainly capable of causing chaos from any position.

Conclusion: First-half ruthlessness, second-half control. From 3–0 at half-time to a clean-sheet finish, this was a statement win

Four goals, a clean sheet, and morally another Sheffield double!

8 points from the play offs, 14 from automatic, with 27 games to go. Happy days.

UTB!

Cracking write up mate. Please do keep them coming as I really enjoy reading them.
Thank you!

PS. Any chance of a pre match “from the stats” to inform about the oppo?

 

[Snake]

A few observations from the stats:

• We dominated the xG battle (2.53 v 0.27): Despite only 39% possession, we turned our moments into high-quality chances. Nineteen shots, eight on target, four goals with 50% conversion rate on shots on target. Stoke managed seven shots, just one on target, underlining how well we controlled their threat.

• First half blitz: 3–0 up at the break from just 6 shots and ruthless finishing. Our transitions ripped Stoke apart, and Seriki’s goal capped a half of controlled aggression.

• Second half control: We added a fourth and effectively shut the game down. Stoke had 61% possession overall but created almost nothing; just 0.27 xG all game. Whilst Stoke didn’t create much they did dictate tempo for spells after the break. We dropped very deep and allowed them to recycle the ball very easily. Our press intensity dipped after 60 minutes, with Stoke completing 90% of passes in the final third.

• Aerial dominance: We won 57.6% of aerial duels (19 of 33). Tanganga (5) and McGuinness (3) were key, giving us control in both boxes.

• Defensive discipline: Tanganga (9 clearances, 1 block) and McGuinness (5 clearances) made great contributions. Seriki added 4 tackles and 2 interceptions. Stoke managed only 1 shot on target, testament to our shape and organisation.

Individual standouts:

• Seriki (9.55): Man of the match. Goal, 2 key passes, 2 crosses, 2 dribbles (joint most), 4 successful tackles (most in team) , 2 interceptions, 3 clearances. Complete performance.
• Hamer (8.15): Creative hub. 5 key passes (most in team, next best 2) 8 crosses (next best 3), 4 successful crosses (next best 1), dictated tempo. Great to have him back.
• Bamford (8.00): Clinical. Goal, 2 shots, 2 key passes.
• McGuinness (7.92): Defensive solidity. Goal, 4 shots (2 on target), 5 clearances.
• Tanganga (7.64): Defensive leader. 9 clearances, 1 block, 5 aerial wins.

Passing accuracy in midfield: Peck had most touches but a low pass completion rate (52%) and generally we were below par in retention with our pass completion lower than we’d like. Our transitions were excellent, but when we needed to slow the game, we sometimes lacked composure. This is a recurring theme, we’re brilliant in chaos but would possibly like more control. I appreciate I’m being picky!

Tactics: 4-4-2 with aggressive wide overloads and vertical transitions. First half: pressed high, exploited space behind full-backs, and punished on counters. Second half: compact mid-block, killed space. Dominant at set pieces.

Limited progressive play through the middle and most creativity came from wide overloads (Seriki, McCallum, Hamer). Central penetration was minimal (was ever thus!). Bamford dropped deep better than we have seen, but we still at times lacked a central link player. If opponents block the flanks, we need an alternative route, although Hamer is certainly capable of causing chaos from any position.

Conclusion: First-half ruthlessness, second-half control. From 3–0 at half-time to a clean-sheet finish, this was a statement win

Four goals, a clean sheet, and morally another Sheffield double!

8 points from the play offs, 14 from automatic, with 27 games to go. Happy days.

UTB!

Excellent post mate. This is the sort of thing I love - no way could I write owt as spot on as this! You, the graph man and Bergen's observations are what I think football supporter analysis is all about - not pseudo journalistic type stuff.... leave that to the, erm journalists

 

[bakeblade]

Always great to see youth players come through - and I’d rather we played and developed our own kids rather than another clubs loaners. No loan players in the XI yesterday? (Although two short term contracts we need to tie up).

Ogbene and good example of this, getting much more minutes than Brooks without contributing much.
Makes you wonder if this would have continued if he hadn't got injured.

 

[Need4speed]

Wide overloads were key to the blades success before with Wilder. we seem to be prepared to hit the ball long much quicker. Pass competion is down because we are taking more risks and not farting about with it which is a feature of Wilders worse teams in the past. Last four games more enjoyable than any last season bar Bristol City in the playoffs.