Everton can take down Liverpool in Merseyside derby as Opta Analyst stat emerges
Sean Dyche has made no secret of the fact he thinks Everton have been underperforming in front of goal this season.
It feels like barely a game has gone by where the Toffees boss has not mentioned the fact his side have underperformed in contrast to their expected goals rate.
Sometimes it might feel like a broken record, but it turns out Dyche probably does have a fair point – even if fair points don’t necessarily translate into actual…well points.
According to Opta Analyst journalist Pat Ridge, the Toffees – via Opta’s model – should have scored 15 goals this season but in reality have only nine.
Hardly the kind of return they would heading into Saturday’s huge Merseyside derby against Liverpool at Anfield, albeit three of those goals came in a 3-0 victory over Bournemouth prior to October’s international break.
What might offer a little more encouragement, though, is the fact that Everton according to the Analyst’s data are underperforming in terms of expected league position and points accrued.
Everton have seven points from eight games, and have an expected points rate of 14.6. They sit 16th in the table and would be expected to be fifth based on the quality of opposition faced.
That would actually place them above Liverpool, who also have an expected points rate of 14.6 (they actually have 17), and would be below Everton in sixth (they are fourth).
Obviously, only the actual points tallies, positions, and goals scored count, and supporters know that Everton will have to put in a near perfect performance to leave with all three points.
But, hey, why not be optimistic about things? Afterall the data suggests there is cause to be, and what’s life as a football fan without a little optimism?
In other Everton news, a BBC journalist has shared an update on the proposed 777 Partners takeover amid rumours the deal could collapse.