Statistical Analysis by Anfield Index

In a game where control is paramount, Manchester City demonstrated a masterclass in possession against Liverpool, with data from Futmob and Opta revealing a dominant 60% control of the ball. This significant share of possession is a hallmark of City’s playstyle, reflecting their philosophy of dictating the game’s pace and rhythm through sustained ball retention. Though what they did with it is a crucial factor in the analysis.

Expected Goals and Precision Passing

The expected goals (xG) metric offers an insight into the quality of chances created, and here, City outperformed Liverpool with an xG of 1.38 compared to Liverpool’s 0.55. This suggests that not only did City have more of the ball, but they were also more threatening with it, carving out higher quality chances.

The stats further show City’s supremacy in passing accuracy, boasting an impressive 91% rate of accurate passes, eclipsing Liverpool’s respectable but lower 81%. With 539 accurate passes to Liverpool’s 321, City’s strategy of building from the back and meticulous ball circulation is clear. These aren’t just passes for the sake of it; they’re a testament to City’s intent to maintain pressure and create openings.

Shots Fired and Opportunities Taken

Turning possession into potential, City also led in total shots and shots on target, with 16 and 5 respectively, against Liverpool’s 8 and 3. This aggressiveness in front of goal underscores a team that is not only confident in possession but also in conversion.

The data also highlights the concept of ‘big chances’ – opportunities that are expected to be scored. City doubled Liverpool in creating these moments with 2 big chances, although both teams shared the frustration of missing one each. The corner count further emphasizes City’s offensive push, with 9 corners taken over Liverpool’s 6, each set-piece an opportunity to capitalize on their statistical advantage.

As the numbers paint a picture of a match swayed by City’s statistical edge, it’s evident that in the modern game, stats are as crucial as the scoreline. The meticulous analysis by Futmob and Opta provides a narrative that goes beyond what is seen on the pitch; it quantifies the ebb and flow of footballing dominance, particularly of a team like Manchester City.

On Ball Possession Data

Defenders like Ruben Dias and Akanji from Manchester City showcase impressive pass success rates, hinting at the modern expectation of defenders to aid in building play from the back. Meanwhile, Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold’s statistics highlight his dual threat – his defensive duties coupled with his lethal crossing ability, a testament to his influence on the wings.

The pass volumes reflect each player’s involvement in the flow of the game, with Manchester City’s Rodri standing out as a central figure dictating the tempo with his impressive pass count. His success rate solidifies his reputation as a reliable distributor, ensuring that possession is not just maintained but utilized effectively to advance the team’s position on the field.

Defensive Class

Liverpool’s defensive stalwarts, including Virgil van Dijk, exhibit a blend of quantity and quality in their distribution, contributing to the team’s structural integrity and the initiation of offensive forays. Their high success rates in the opponent’s half underscore a tactical intent to penetrate opposing defenses not through sheer force but through calculated precision.

On the attacking front, the numbers transition into a more nuanced tale of creativity and opportunity. The chances created by players such as Salah and Alexander-Arnold resonate with their roles as architects of offensive opportunities. Salah’s figures, while indicative of a slightly lower passing volume, highlight a deadly efficiency in the final third, where his contributions often spell the difference between a draw and victory.

(Opta: Source)

In essence, the image encapsulates the quintessential elements of football’s strategic depth, where pass volume and success rates interweave with the art of chance creation. These metrics are not merely numbers; they are the pulse of teams that dominate possession and, ultimately, the scoreboard. Through this statistical lens, the prowess of Manchester City and Liverpool’s line-ups is not just illuminated but celebrated, with each pass and created chance a testament to their footballing philosophy.