How does Sunderland and Newcastle United’s attacking threat compare ahead of Sunday’s Tyne-Wear derby?
Meetings between the two sides tend to be full of power and passion - but often the occasion takes hold and the games can be decided by the finest of margins. The December clash at the Stadium of Light certainly went that way as an own goal from Newcastle’s club record signing Nick Woltemade ultimately decided a contest of very few chances.
The two sides had just three shots on target between them during the game and only a further three shots were sent off target. Not that anyone connected with Sunderland was complaining on that memorable day as they continued to hold the upper hand over the Magpies in Premier League fixtures and they will hope to keep things that way when the two sides walk out at St James Park on Sunday afternoon.
A lot has been made of how both the Black Cats and the Magpies are faring in attacking areas throughout this season, with the latter yet to find the right mix following the summer departure of Alexander Isak. For Sunderland, creating meaningful chances on a regular basis has been a real challenge during their first year back in the top flight and there is little surprise to see Regis Le Bris’ side sat near the bottom of a Premier League table based on one of the statisticians favourites statistics, xG (expected goals). So how do Newcastle and Sunderland compare to their rivals across the top flight when it comes to the quality of chances created?
Premier League xG table
1. Manchester United - 1.78xG 2. Liverpool - 1.76xG 3. Manchester City - 1.73xG 4. Arsenal - 1.72xG 5. Chelsea - 1.61xG 6. AFC Bournemouth - 1.58xG 7. Newcastle United - 1.57xG 8. Brighton and Hove Albion - 1.49xG 9. Nottingham Forest - 1.47xG 10. Aston Villa - 1.45xG 11. Leeds United - 1.37xG 12. Fulham - 1.36xG 13. Crystal Palace - 1.32xG 14. Tottenham Hotspur - 1.30xG 15. Everton - 1.29xG 16. Brentford - 1.27xG 17. West Ham United - 1.18xG 18. Sunderland - 1.15xG 19. Wolverhampton Wanderers - 1.10xG 20. Burnley - 1.08xG
Continue Reading