Examining the weaknesses of the underperforming clubs in the top five leagues in the 2022/23 season – data analysis

Underperforming clubs in football are those that have failed to meet the expectations set for them based on their underlying statistics. In other words, these clubs have earned fewer points than they would be expected to based on their xPoints, which are calculated using the expected goals (xGoals) for and against the team.

XGoals are calculated based on various factors such as shot location, shot type, and the quality of the chance created. These clubs often struggle to convert their chances into goals or have defensive issues that lead to them conceding more goals than expected.

In this data analysis, we will figure out which clubs are underperforming in the top five leagues this season. With similar statistics, we already discovered clubs in the top five leagues that are overperforming so far this season in last weeks analysis.

Premier League

West Ham United can be considered the most underperforming club in the English Premier League in the 2022/23 season so far. With only 30 points on the board, they have significantly underperformed according to their xPoints of 43.5. Their xGoals of 40.91 also suggest that they should have scored more than their actual tally of 27 goals, highlighting their struggles in front of the goal. Their defence has also been a cause for concern, conceding 39 goals, which is higher than their xGoals against of 35.41.

Looking at their performance metrics, West Hams possession rate of 41.6% is among the lowest in the league, indicating their difficulty in controlling games. Their reliance on crosses as a source of attack is evident from their high number of crosses per game at 15.57, but this has not translated into enough goals. Similarly, their dribbling numbers are low at 19.98 per game, which suggests a lack of creativity in midfield.

Defensively, their challenge intensity of 4.6 is lower than average, while their PPDA of 14.17 indicates that they have allowed the opposition more freedom to play.

Overall,