22 September Week 5
TO THE BITTER END
Both Tottenham and Aston Villa scored twice after the 96th minute of their matches, the latest in an increasingly long line of goals scored in 2nd half added time. There have been 18 goals scored this season after 90 minutes, 12% of overall total. Tottenham’s second goal against Sheffield United was the latest recorded winning goal at just shy of 100 minutes. All this goes to underline all those (including myself) who believe that whatever is happening you should never leave a game before the final whistle.
The knock-on effect of these goals means that currently 62% of PL goals have been scored in the 2nd half of matches compared to the average of 55% over the last six seasons.
OPENING RUNS
Manchester City reeled off their fifth consecutive win at the London Stadium, so they are now halfway to breaking Chelsea’s Premier League record of nine straight wins from the start of the season, which was set in 2005/06. If City can keep this going, their tenth match just happens to be at Old Trafford, which would make breaking the record all the sweeter.
Meanwhile Burnley’s first point of the season at the City Ground on Monday night was the second gained by the promoted clubs in their thirteenth collective match. At this rate they would only have 23 points by the season’s end. Luton’s fourth consecutive defeat at Fulham means they are only three matches behind equalling the worst losing run at the start of a season, set by Palace in 2017/18.
The Football Mine 