Leeds moved back to the top of the table on Sunday with a 2-0 win over Barnsley.
However, it’s tight at the top and Leeds are ahead of Swansea on goal difference alone, after losing to the Swans before the international break.
Stats show they should be crushing it.
Ben Mayhew, head of data analysis at the Press Association, posted four graphs on his personal Twitter account that show just how good Leeds are under Marcelo Bielsa this season.
He said, “Leeds look excellent, so hopefully Marcelo Bielsa will be reading these again.”
He added, “Quite a few early promotion challengers appear to owe their position to either ruthless finishing or defensive heroics.”
… moving on to the Championship: https://t.co/QLaWsFyiOK
Leeds look excellent, so hopefully Marcelo Bielsa will be reading these again.
Quite a few early promotion challengers appear to owe their position to either ruthless finishing or defensive heroics. pic.twitter.com/VaunhqRmLb
— Ben Mayhew (@experimental361) September 17, 2019
Shots taken v faced per match
The first graph is shots taken vs shots faced per match. The place you want to be is in the bottom-right quadrant, where Leeds find themselves out on their own.
Swansea, by contrast, are looking like their second-place spot is flattering them. They’re doing okay in terms of their attack but are facing a high number of shots.
West Brom and QPR are the closest contenders to Leeds.
Attacking effectiveness
The second graph is attacking effectiveness and Leeds are the standout team once again.
Leeds were accused of not taking enough chances last season and, while there’s room for improvement here, they are sitting in the green zone that puts them as a “constant threat”.
Defensive effectiveness
Leeds are known as an attacking team but the next graph might just show why they’re going to be a different proposition this season.
In terms of “defensive effectiveness”, Leeds are out on their own again. The top-left quadrant is where you want to be and Leeds are the only team labelled “formidable”. They’ve only conceded three goals in seven league games this season.
By contrast, Swansea find themselves in the “competent but busy” quadrant.
Expected goals vs allowed per match
We’ve saved the best until last, though. The fourth graph is “Expected goals vs allowed per match” and Leeds are in a league of their own.
You want to be in the bottom-right quadrant of “better attack, better defence” and Leeds are in the perfect spot, streets ahead of West Brom, QPR and Fulham.
Stats only go so far, obviously. There’s a lot of variance in sport and other factors that can determine how a team do over the season, including injuries.
However, looking at these graphs it’s easy to see why Leeds are the favourites to win the league and why Bielsa is being hailed as an elite manager. They look like the perfect mix of attack and defence.