Great piece Andrew. My chimp has lay down on some straw and is quietly gibbering to itself in response.
Only one bone to pick....that goal was a combination fuck up by Ali and Ibou. It shouldn't rest on one's shoulders and these things happen anyway. My twopenneth
On Trent, it looks like something of a numerical puzzle to crack.
If we look at his passing stats from 2019/20 onwards on a per 90 minutes basis, this is so far his worst season for: progressive passes, crosses and passes into the box and passes into the final third. Perhaps most notably, it's his lowest of any season for passes attempted.
Yet 2024/25 ranks third best for expected goal assists and second for expected assists in pass value terms, per FBRef. He's passing less and in seemingly less important areas yet seeming to contribute more attacking value. There's probably an article in this if I can figure it out ;-)
Great piece Andrew. My chimp has lay down on some straw and is quietly gibbering to itself in response.
Only one bone to pick....that goal was a combination fuck up by Ali and Ibou. It shouldn't rest on one's shoulders and these things happen anyway. My twopenneth
But thanks and keep up the amazing work!
Yes, you’re probably right there. I glanced at the list and it was Konaté who got the ‘credit’ from Opta, so I stuck his name down. Sorry, Ibou!
Thank you for the nice piece Andrew...
" It will likely need a wonder-goal to make that happen"...
Well, in my opinion, the 2 goals we conceded until now, had something of "wonder":
The Forest goal, passed through the eye of the needle, and the Wolves goal...well, something weird happened in Ibu's mind at that point..😁
By the way, what do your stats say about Trent's performance this season? Personally i find it a bit underwhelming until now .
Maybe i'm wrong, but i wonder if his contract situation might influence his performance.
On Trent, it looks like something of a numerical puzzle to crack.
If we look at his passing stats from 2019/20 onwards on a per 90 minutes basis, this is so far his worst season for: progressive passes, crosses and passes into the box and passes into the final third. Perhaps most notably, it's his lowest of any season for passes attempted.
Yet 2024/25 ranks third best for expected goal assists and second for expected assists in pass value terms, per FBRef. He's passing less and in seemingly less important areas yet seeming to contribute more attacking value. There's probably an article in this if I can figure it out ;-)
I’ll have a look and get back to you tomorrow. But my gut instinct is that he hasn’t been as influential.
The answer to your Trent query is now a full-blown article!
https://andrewbeasley.substack.com/p/the-mystery-of-trent-alexander-arnold
Thanks for this one, sir. It will help me in my transition from the emotional ride of Jürgen, to a more sustainable supporter experience.
But, ah, the times we had.
Indeed. It's highly plausible the games are less exciting but Liverpool win a few more of them. There are worse trade-offs to make.
Interesting read as always mate.
Nice read as always Andrew. Thanks again.