Analyzing the Premier League’s top four offenses
By Gary Pearson
The Premier League title race is blessed with some impressive attacking teams. Here are the four best.
Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal sit atop the Premier League table, thanks in large part to their prolific attacks.
These four teams’ offensive rankings mirror their league placement. And make no mistake, they are a cut above the rest.
Liverpool lead the way with 30 goals, followed by Chelsea (26), City (25) and Arsenal (24) . There’s a massive drop-off from fourth to fifth, with Manchester United and Crystal Palace level on 16 goals.
The importance of a dominant offense has never been more clear. Let’s delve into what makes this quartet so devastating going forward.
4. Arsenal
It’s no secret how well Arsenal ping the ball about. They’ve completed the third most (6,423) passes in 11 games. Only City and Liverpool have successfully passed the ball more. Arsenal have also hit only 527 long balls all season, the league’s fewest by a wide margin. Manchester United, with the second fewest long balls, have played 87 more than the Gunners.
Most dominant offensive teams score the bulk of goals from close range. They have the ability to knock the ball around for ages and make incisive, penetrating passes after running the opposition ragged. The same is true for Arsenal. They’ve scored 23 of 24 goals from inside the box. Only Liverpool, with 25, have finished more from close proximity.
Despite what the stats might be taken to suggest, Arsenal haven’t enjoyed a lot of luck around goal. The Gunners have scored 24 goals but could have a bundle more. They’ve hit the woodwork eight times, the second most in the Premier League. Only Bournemouth, with 12, have hit the woodwork more. A few inches on multiple occasions separates Arsenal from having an even more impressive goal total.
Arsene Wenger deserves a bunch of credit for slotting Alexis Sanchez in such an advanced position. Sanchez has six of Arsenal’s 24 goals and has contributed with three assists.
The big question is whether Arsenal can keep this fertile offense firing on all cylinders during the deep, dark days of winter. The answer, if previous seasons are any indication, is no.