Stat Attack – Wolverhampton Wanderers v AFC Bournemouth

Written by Matt Stevenson

Here is the xG from the Wolves game. Despite being at the game, I hadn’t realised exactly how toothless Wolves were, mainly because their two goals had come from minor chances.

Man of the match against Wolves

Evanilson

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Kluivert

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Tavernier

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Adams

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Kerkez

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Zabarnyi

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Brooks

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Senesi

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Christie

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Someone else

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The game exploded into life when Senesi found Evanilson who was brought down when running at the keeper. Penalty to AFCB which Kluivert scored calmly (rated as 79%). There was hardly time to settle when Wolves had equalised, Bellegarde had time to pick his pass, with a communication error between Kerkez and Adams, Strand Larsen got across the front of Zabarnyi and headed into the far corner (1 in 8). Within 4 minutes Bournemouth were back in front, from a great move involving Brooks, Adams, Christie, Evanilson, Tavernier and finally an onrushing Kerkez, who thumped it in via a deflection (1 in 20). Ten minutes later it was 3-1, Sa was taking too long to clear the ball and when he did swing Evanilson had nipped in to take the ball and be kicked in the back of the leg. Kluivert did the business again (79%). The game then relatively plodded along to half time with the xG at the interval being Wolves 0.32 AFCB 2.24.

The second half started largely uneventfully with Wolves not overly attacking and AFCB knowing they were two goals to the good. In the 68th minute, Ouattara lost the ball in an attacking position and with Kerkez out of position, Guedes was found on the right. Senesi failed to either win the ball or foul the opponent who fed Strand Larsen, with Zabarnyi potentially trying to play offside. Zarbanyi came back to get a deflection on the shot which beat Kepa (1 in 10). The fact that this was Wolves’ last meaningful shot may explain the frustration within the support. Instead, AFCB made it 4-2, an awful back pass from Dawson allowed Evanilson to nip in again, getting clattered as he won the ball. Kluivert converted again, (79%) for a hat-trick of penalties. The game was then largely played out with no great intent, although Unal had a chance (1 in 10) near the end. The final xG was Wolves 0.46 AFCB 3.29 with Understat having it slightly it closer with Wolves 0.87 and AFCB 3.06 but still a comfortable victory margin.

There were 2 changes to the team who lost to Brighton. Christie replaced Cook (who had a ‘slight muscle injury’) and Brooks replaced the suspended Semenyo on the right-hand side. The most noticeable thing to me is the high starting position of Kerkez (3) which is more advanced than Brooks (7) and nearly the same as Tavernier (16). Kluivert (19) was the furthest forward of the starting 11. The first sub was a straight swap with Ouattara (11) for Brooks, at 3-1. It was 4-2 with the next pairing of subs, with Unal (26) replacing Evanilson (9) and Billing (29) replacing Kluivert. The average position of Unal shows how little AFCB were on the back foot in the last 15 minutes. In the 84th minute, Senesi (5) went down injured and was replaced by Huijsen (2). This unexpected change meant all three substitution slots had been used and we only made 4 changes, with Smith, Kerkez, Adams and Christie who often get subbed, all completing 90 minutes.

Christie and Tavernier had joint-most touches with 63. Tavernier had the most touches in the opposition half and in the final third with 46 and 33 respectively.

Christie attempted the most passes with 46, and in the opposition’s half (20). Tavernier attempted most in the final third (20). We averaged 77% pass completion. Of the starting 11, only Christie and Kerkez had completion over 85%. Ouattara will be disappointed with 43%.

AFCB players tried to take on a man 17 times being successful only 3 times (Brooks, Ouattara and Zabarnyi).

AFCB players were tackled 31 times with Evanilson and Tavernier being tackled 5 times each. Subs Ouattara and Unal were both tackled 4 times, in relatively short playing times (31 and 21 minutes respectively)

AFCB attempted 15 crosses, being successful with 2 (both from Kluivert). Kluivert and Tavernier attempted 5 crosses each.

AFCB had 21 touches in the opposition’s penalty area with Kluivert having 7 and Evanilson 6. Wolves had 18 touches in our penalty area.

AFCB created 8 chances (1 big). Wolves created 7 chances, 2 big. Kluivert and Tavernier created 2 chances each, with Kluivert creating the big chance.

We had 12 attempts (4 big) noting that chances can be provided after saves, deflections or a defensive error and not created. We hit the target 8 times. Wolves had 10 attempts, 2 big, and hit the target 3 times. Kluivert had 4 attempts, with the big chances falling to Kluivert (3 – all penalties) and Evanilson.

AFCB won 14 of 26 aerial duals. Adams and Zabarnyi both won 3 out of 3.

AFCB won 26 of 35 tackles. Tavernier won 6 from 7 and both Billing and Zabarnyi won 3 from 3.

Adams made the most defensive actions with 12. Adams made the most interceptions (3), Tavernier made the most recoveries (8). Adams made most clearances (4) and Senesi and Smith made our two blocks.

The Opta expected goals had Kluivert highest (2.41) which is the new highest of the season beating Evanilson’s 0.97 at Brentford. Senesi was next highest with 0.69. For expected assists, Opta had Huijsen top with 0.29, which I can’t explain.

The foul count was AFCB 11, Wolves 13. Adams made the most fouls (4) with Evanilson fouled six times.

According to Opta, AFCB made no errors leading to a chance or goal.

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