Thread by @BigManBakar

The Review: GW 2 - A thread

Having written a piece on how the action unfolded in GW 1, I once again cast my eyes on the Premier League action played this weekend. Here are 8 important takeaways for FPL managers post GW 2:

1) Much has been said of the Liverpool defence since the season began but the signs of regression are apparent. Liverpool are ranked 6th worst for xGc (expected goals conceded) and have conceded 5 big chances in two favorable fixtures so far. That was unthinkable a year ago...

...but it must be kept in mind that their full backs are still posting good numbers. Robertson has the highest number of touches in the final third of all defenders in the league. Meanwhile, Trent is ranked 2nd for big chances created of all players in the league.

2) Sheffield United and Man Utd both had an xGc (expected goals conceded) of just 0.27 over the weekend. Both defences gave up minimal shots inside the box including zero big chances to their opponents, which was very impressive given that Sheffield United are a promoted side...

...while Man United have historically struggled against Wolves. Worth noting that Sheffield United’s opponents, Palace, are now up against Man United so Man United on paper are looking good for a clean sheet.

3) Out of all defenders who have played 180 minutes so far, no defender has been accumulating bonus at a faster rate than Aston Villa’s Ahmed El Mohammady - his minutes per baseline baps ratio is an incredible 3.9. Brighton’s Lewis Dunk and Man Utd’s Aaron Wan Bissaka have a...

...really impressive ratio for bonus as well and should be amongst the points whenever their side is to keep a clean sheet.

4) Trossard was Brighton’s most advanced player in the game vs WHM. He recorded the most number of shots inside the box in the game, including one big chance. Montoya once again was involved in the final third, and even created one big chance but was unlucky not to get an assist.

5) No forward has had as many shots inside the box as Teemu Pukki over the first two weeks. He sits joint top for big chances as well, with Ashley Barnes the only other forward with as many big chances. £4.5 Norwich midfielder Todd Cantwell sits 2nd for midfielders for chances...

...created as well, suggesting that there could be plenty of bargains from the men at Carrow Road.

6) A look at the xGc table (expected goals conceded) for matches played so far shows the very familiar sight of Man City sitting top with least xGc and shots in the box conceded. A closer look at the table further suggests that the Everton defence with...

...an xGc of 2.18 (with 0 goals actually conceded) is overperforming while the Watford defence with an xGc of 1.51 (with 4 goals actually conceded) is underperforming.

7) No player in the league has created as many chances as Kevin De Bruyne so far. His numbers for chance creation are astounding as he has already created 12 chances, including 5 big chances in just over 2 games – one of them against a top 6 side. Of all players in the league...

...who have started 2 games, De Bruyne ranks best for bonus accumulation with his minute per bps ratio sitting at an unworldly 3.1. An interesting point to note is that he was the most advanced player on the field against Spurs which coincided with David Silva missing out...

...With David Silva in the team, he was playing considerably deeper and posted inferior stats to when the Spaniard was left out. Could be a trend, could be an anomaly – I guess we need more data to find out.

8) Bournemouth are ranked 3rd worst in the xGc table (expected goals conceded), which is extremely telling because they have will face far more potent attacks than the likes of Sheffield United’s and Villa’s that they have faced so far. With City ranked comfortably best for...

... expected goals scored (and Sterling ranked highest for big chances of all players in the league), this could be a fixture where the likes of De Bruyne and Sterling look primed for points. With Sterling having an incredible record against Bournemouth and form to back it up...

...he looks to be the best captaincy option on paper. Thanks for taking the time out, I hope you enjoyed the read!