Newcastle United

Newcastle United: Fans react as statistics show Matt Ritchie quality

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Image for Newcastle United: Fans react as statistics show Matt Ritchie quality

A number of Newcastle United fans have been left surprised after seeing some positive stats emerge relating to Matt Ritchie. 

According to a Tweet by Amazon Prime Video Sport, the 32-year-old currently ranks third in the list of Premier League players who have created the most chances this season.

Indeed, Ritchie is amongst some illustrious company. Top of the list, with 34 chances created, is Bruno Fernandes. After him, Trent Alexander-Arnold is on 25, then comes Ritchie on 23, while Mohamed Salah and Jack Grealish make up the remaining top five.

Is Matt Ritchie underrated at Newcastle?

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Having seen the data shared online, a collection of Magpies supporters flocked to the post to offer up their thoughts on the matter.

Here’s what these Newcastle fans said

“I’ve just had the biggest shock seeing him on that list. Maybe 3 years ago I might not be that shocked. But my god, the last few years he’s been bang average and don’t even get me started on his corners and balls into the box. However, he does look like he cares, I suppose.”

“Just such a shame that they couldn’t finish any of them.”
“Stats that don’t make sense.”
“I’d say define chance, because that stat looks dodgy.”
“Ritchie is a great crosser must be one of the biggest myths in football, 9/10 hit the first man.”
“And there lies the problem why we concede so many. He’s playing at LB and by that stat is out of position quite a bit.”
“He’s one of our best going forward (sadly true) but he’s too slow defensively and the two in the centre can’t cover him. With no left-winger tracking back he’s always caught out, for me, left-back, centre-back and 2 CMs are a must in January, just to sure everything up.”

Considering the Magpies current league position, it’s easy to understand why these supporters seem a little shocked at the post to emerge.

Not only do Newcastle sit in 19th spot on the table, without a win to their name, they have also only scored 11 goals in nine games so far – Liverpool, for instance, have 27 after the same amount of fixtures.

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Indeed, with all the chances Ritchie is evidently creating, it’s just frustrating for these fans that no one seems to be converting enough of them.

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