Premier League Pecking Order- Matchweek 11 (Premier League Season 2020/21- In a Nutshell)
The pecking order is based on the performance of the Premier League teams during the given Matchweek. On this occasion, it’s Matchweek 11. There was one game postponed in the Premier League, between Aston Villa and Newcastle United. That meant that the Pecking Order starts with the 18th team (worst performed team). At the other end of the spectrum is the team that finishes 1st (best performed team) on the Pecking Order.
18- Wolves
Wolves were unfortunate to play against a Liverpool team hungry for three points. Wolves managed to have three shots on target, but apart from that it was all Liverpool. In this game the possession stat told the story as Wolves had just 39.4% possession. They lost the game comprehensively; 4-nil.
17- Arsenal
Arsenal weren’t at the races in Matchweek 11 it’s as simple as that. They may have had 69.7% possession, but finished with just two shots on target. It was a socking display. They find it difficult to score and offer little in the final 3rd, despite having some good attacking players.
16- West Brom
West Brom did reasonably well to keep the score to 1-all scoring an equaliser in the 30th minute. The game changed when they were down to ten men as Matheus Pereira was sent off 34th minute. After that moment they offered little resistance defensively. They did manage to have 50.1% possession and four shots on target. It just shows how meaningless stats can be. In the end they deservedly lost the game 5-1 against Crystal Palace, which was an embarrassing shellacking.
15- Leeds United
Leeds United would be disappointed with their performance after scoring the opening goal in the 4th minute. It was a display that may mean that they have a few worries in terms of tactics implemented. It has been all out attack, which is great to watch. They conceded 11 shots on target. They could have lost by more than two goals. There’s no doubt that there is plenty of work for them to do.
14- Fulham
Fulham stayed in the game from a scoreboard perspective, but they weren’t attacking enough. They should have risked losing the game by a lot in order to get at least one goal. The fact that there was nothing that they could offer in the final third was their downfall. They almost showed Manchester City too much respect from a game plan perspective. The game was a 2-nil loss, but they would have been better off risking losing it by more in order to get a goal.
13- Sheffield United
Sheffield United may have had just 29.7% possession, but they put in a good performance. They controlled the tempo of the match. It wasn’t a walk in the park for Leicester City. That was reflected by Jamie Vardy scoring the winning goal in the 90th minute. There were plenty of positives for Sheffield United to take out of the game. That’s despite the fact that they had just one shot on target for the match.
12- Burnley
Burnley scored in the 3rd minute, which was a bad thing. What it meant was that they didn’t attack enough and conceded an equaliser. That was inevitable and to make it worse the goal was scored by Everton in 1st half stoppage time. Then after conceding the goal Burnley started to attack more, which shouldn’t happen. They could have won if not for a great save by Everton goalkeeper, Jordan Pickford late in the 2nd half. On the other hand, Burnley goalkeeper, Nick Pope helped Burnley claim a point with a good save late on.
11- Everton
Everton could well have won the game and should have on paper against Burnley. The fact that Everton had six shots on target to three shots on target doesn’t tell the whole story. They conceded the 1st goal early on and then deservedly claimed an equaliser in 1st half stoppage time. The 2nd half was a different story with Burnley improving their tactics. Everton would have won if not for Burnley goalkeeper, Nick Pope.
10- West Ham
The game was relatively even with West Ham and Manchester United both finishing with six shots on target. The fact that West Ham were leading 1-nil and lost 3-1 indicates that they lacked quality. Also, to a lesser extent character. They were slightly unlucky as in the lead up to the Manchester United’s equaliser the ball could have gone out.
9- Leicester City
Leicester City played against a well organised Sheffield United team. It was always going to be a tough game as Sheffield United are hungry for their 1st win. The fact that Leicester City had 70.3% possession and four shots on target told the story. They were clinical scoring two goals from the four shots that they had on target.
8- Tottenham
Tottenham played a reasonable match against a struggling Arsenal team. If Tottenham were playing against a better that wouldn’t have won 2-nil, but that’s football. They scored two goals from their three shots on target, as they were clinical in the final 3rd. They finished the game with just 30.3% possession. That summed up their game plan. Their defensive structure was immaculate and they scored two goals on the counter attack.
7- Southampton
Southampton played an average game. They did go and win their match against Brighton and Hove Albion in Matchweek 11. Despite conceding the first goal, Southampton showed plenty of character to get back into the match. It was a well constructed set piece, from a corner that led to the equaliser for them just before half time. It was thanks to a perfect delivered set piece, which James Ward-Prowse took once again this Premier League Season. Although not playing their best they won 2-1.
6- Brighton and Hove Albion
Brighton and Hove Albion played good football in a tough match against Southampton. The stats and the balance of play were relatively even. They deserved to take at least a point from the match. Despite scoring the opening goal of the match, Brighton and Hove Albion found a way to lose.
5- Manchester City
Manchester City would be somewhat upset with their performance. They may have had six shots to Fulham’s one, but it wasn’t entirely one sided. There’s no doubt that Manchester City could have done better. They passed the ball around aimlessly in defence and midfield. They were clearly content with the 2-nil score line from the 26th minute mark on.
4- Manchester United
Manchester United showed character to come back into a game they trailed 1-nil up until the 65th minute. The fact that Manchester United brought on Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford at half time was a master stroke. They showed they are playing for their Coach. They are now a chance of finishing in the top four. The fact that Dean Henderson started his 1st game due to David de Gea being injured made a difference. He made a good save and played a key part.
3- Liverpool
Liverpool were extremely efficient in the final 3rd. They scored four goals from six shots on target. They did have 60.6% possession and didn’t waste it to their credit. It was only 11 shots to nine in favour of Liverpool, but they were more clinical than Wolves. It was as if Wolves paid Liverpool too much respect. Nevertheless, Liverpool capitalised, credit to them.
2- Crystal Palace
The game was in the balance until West Brom went down to ten men in the 34th minute. At that stage the score was 1-all. After half time Crystal Palace played some of the best football of any Premier League team this Season. All be it, they did it against ten men. What the game did show, is how much they rely on Wilfried Zaha. He scored a brace in his 1st game back from injury.
1- Chelsea
Following conceding the opening goal of the game, the game was played on Chelsea’s terms. They finished with 11 shots on target from 23 shots. There’s no doubt that they have the potential to finish in the top four, at the very least. They aren’t afraid to attack, but they still kept their shape from a structural perspective.
Premier League Pecking Order- Matchweek 11 (Premier League Season 2020/21- Final Thoughts)