Liverpool vs Watford

Liverpool were deserved winners in the opening fixture of the weekend against Watford, the Merseyside outfit landed only three of their 20 shots on target (SoT) but notched an ‘Expected Goals’ (xG) figure of 2.48 with 20 shots. Watford had some good opportunities of their own which they failed to convert and notched an xG of 0.74

Jota’s xG of 1.01 indicates just how explosive an option he can be when he starts, the Portugal international took six shots, two of which were on target and also attempted three assists. Fabinho’s only attempt was his penalty which accounted for 0.76 xG but as mentioned earlier, Watford did pose a small threat, and both Pedro and Kucka had decent opportunities to score as well. Salah had a poor game by his standards, he took three shots, none of which tested the keeper, as his 0.17 xG shows. Robertson only created one chance, which is also unlike the Scotsman who has been a real attacking threat recently. C. Jones and Thiago were the most creative players with three attempted assists apiece.

Burnley vs Man. City

Man. City put in a controlled display against Burnley, restricting their hosts to just 0.09 xG while notching 1.32 xG themselves. After they went two goals up, they took their foot off the gas perhaps with their upcoming games against Atletico and Liverpool in mind. They landed six SoT while restricting Burnley to just one.

No player registered an xG greater than 0.5 in this match with the substitute Jesus leading the way with 0.47 xG and four shots. Foden played up top, created two chances and notched an xG of 0.24 while the goalscorer Gundogan notched 0.20 xG and led the way for SoT (two). Sterling put in an impressive performance with three attempted assists and two shots, De Bruyne was the most creative player on the pitch with four attempted assists.

Spurs vs Newcastle

Spurs scored the most goals in gameweek 31 and also topped the xG numbers with 2.81. The Lilywhites landed six SoT and restricted their visitors to just one SoT and 0.46 xG.

Son was the standout performer in attack and outscored Kane (four) for Fantasy Premier League points (12) for the second week running. The South Korean was top for xG (0.77) and chances created (five) and no player has scored more goals (11) at home this season. Their wingbacks also shone with both Doherty and Royal scoring from their only shots. Kane notched only 0.30 xG despite taking five shots none of which were ‘big chances’. He took on a more creative role with three chances created and often dropped deep at times.