A few observations from the stats (Rovers):

[Coolblade]

A few observations from the stats:

- a game we deserved to win (xG of 2.51 v 0.6 with 4 big chances to nil) and even though we didn’t win, there was a positive energy at the end of the game which is important as we go into the playoffs.

- from statistical contributions, our top and third best players were Anel and Holding. Clearly the fact they created the goal with Holding assisting Anel helped. But they won 7 and 5 aerial duels (next best 3), had excellent passing stats (with more progressive passes), and as said above, kept a Rovers team that needed to win down to zero big chances.

- in terms of creativity, second and fourth in our stats are Brooks and O’Hare. Although a far amount of Brooks play didn’t come off, he had most successful dribbles, two key passes, and joint most accurate crosses (including a great ball for Hamer). O’Hare had most key passes, and second most successful dribbles and a pass completion rate over 90%.

- Cannon had most shots (6) two successful dribbles and two key passes, so possibly his most involved game. But my god he should have scored!

Onward into the playoffs. Unlike previous years, we have a fairly fit squad and a reasonably positive end to the season - so let’s try to embrace the possibilities rather than fear a repeat of the misery!

UTB

 

[Barmyblade]

Thanks Cool

Having seen various comments about Cannon’s miss, do you have the xG stat for that opportunity, perhaps with a comparison for Hamer’s chance?

 

[Frank the tank]

Form table since souttar got injured

 

[Coolblade]

Thanks Cool

Having seen various comments about Cannon’s miss, do you have the xG stat for that opportunity, perhaps with a comparison for Hamer’s chance?

Your wish...

Cannon's chance had an xG of 0.61 - so a great chance; however Hamer's was a slightly better chance at 0.63, and Anel's goal had an xG of 0.71. Compared to a penalty, which is usually assessed at between 0.75 and 0.8

And a final comparison, Rover's goal was 0.19, so 1 in 5 - and obviously the deflection helped it go in (although I think Cooper would have done better)

 

[Balham]

Thanks Cool

Having seen various comments about Cannon’s miss, do you have the xG stat for that opportunity, perhaps with a comparison for Hamer’s chance?

Taken from my old favourite fbref (which, I think, sources from Opta) Hamer’s chance was 0.63 and Cannon’s 0.39.

Sheffield United vs. Blackburn Rovers Match Report – Saturday May 3, 2025 | FBref.com

Check out the match summary, team stats, player stats, goals scored and more for the football match between Sheffield United and Blackburn Rovers on Saturday May 3, 2025

fbref.com

Edit: just seen Coolblade replied as well. I’ve only seen it on the highlights but Cannon’s chance seemed more a 2/5 than a 3/5 to me…although there’s little excuse for him completely missing the target.

 

[Coolblade]

xG's still have an element of subjectivity. I used the Footmob scoring. You are right that Opta has Cannon at 0.39, and Hamer at 0.63, with Anel at 0.71

Lies, damned lies and statistics - eh!

 

[Coolblade]

Form table since souttar got injured

In very simple terms

- pre Xmas we conceded 11 in 22 - so 0.5 goals per game

- post Xmas we conceded 25 in 24 - so just over a goal per game

There have been a few other factors save for Souttar, in particular we concede far less when Vini plays too, and his injuries contributed to that deterioration in the second half of the year.

 

[Frank the tank]

In very simple terms

- pre Xmas we conceded 11 in 22 - so 0.5 goals per game

- post Xmas we conceded 25 in 24 - so just over a goal per game

There have been a few other factors save for Souttar, in particular we concede far less when Vini plays too, and his injuries contributed to that deterioration in the second half of the year.

Personally I think Robinson and anel are good championship defenders but together as a partnership they are weak physically and in the air
Both play much better alongside a souttar or a holding type player

I'd be happy for either to play alongside holding but not with each other

 

[Coolblade]

If Holding's body holds up, then I agree.

Goals per minute on the pitch

Holding conceded 1 goal in 419 mins = 0.22 goals per 90
Anel conceded 30 goals in 3045 mins = 0.88 goals per 90
Robbo conceded 30 goals in 2839 mins = 0.95 goals per 90

But other factors perhaps suggest yesterday's pairing may be the strongest on a broader basis, for example Anel and Holding have higher progressive passing stats. And Anel does score occasionally....although Robbo has his long throw.

 

[bakeblade]

A few observations from the stats:

- a game we deserved to win (xG of 2.51 v 0.6 with 4 big chances to nil) and even though we didn’t win, there was a positive energy at the end of the game which is important as we go into the playoffs.

- from statistical contributions, our top and third best players were Anel and Holding. Clearly the fact they created the goal with Holding assisting Anel helped. But they won 7 and 5 aerial duels (next best 3), had excellent passing stats (with more progressive passes), and as said above, kept a Rovers team that needed to win down to zero big chances.

- in terms of creativity, second and fourth in our stats are Brooks and O’Hare. Although a far amount of Brooks play didn’t come off, he had most successful dribbles, two key passes, and joint most accurate crosses (including a great ball for Hamer). O’Hare had most key passes, and second most successful dribbles and a pass completion rate over 90%.

- Cannon had most shots (6) two successful dribbles and two key passes, so possibly his most involved game. But my god he should have scored!

Onward into the playoffs. Unlike previous years, we have a fairly fit squad and a reasonably positive end to the season - so let’s try to embrace the possibilities rather than fear a repeat of the misery!

UTB

For me Anel and Holding cemented their place as our central defence partnership, will CW agree?