There was a lot to cover in today's two newsletters and I have sent subscribers 8,600 words including stats, a look at 11 games across four leagues (Premier League, Championship, Ligue 2 and Bundesliga) and some other stuff, like an explanation of what "playing through the thirds" means.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There is an article on the Sportmarket blog which refers to the terrible state of finances of most clubs in football and I have taken the liberty of reproducing the following couple of paragraphs which highlight how little money filters down the pyramid in the English game........

 

 

 

Second start for both,champions Liverpool opened with a 4-3 win at Anfield over Leeds United and the visitors showed what is possible when you really take the game to the Reds. Chelsea had a far more standard 3-1 win at Brighton ahead of which I noted ......

 

 

 

 

ITB : -58 (ranked 14th)

ITB created-conceded since restart (last 8 games): 53-61

xP swing : -3 (Arsenal should be 3 points worse off)

What's at stake: Nothing for the Gunners now in the league, but they have the FA Cup final to play next Saturday.

Last three starts, any stand out numbers: Arsenal have created the third fewest ITB attempts.