Forest on Fire, West Ham Misfiring – A Tale of Two Ends in Shots on Target
With match week 3 behind us, the stark contrast between clinical finishing and a lack of cutting edge is already becoming evident. Some teams are making the most of their opportunities, while others are struggling to hit the target—and that’s just the beginning of the drama.
Let’s start with the high-flyers. Nottingham Forest is turning heads with their precision, leading the pack for shots on target. A surprise? Maybe. But under Steve Cooper’s guidance, Forest has shifted from survival mode to a team that looks like it means business. Tottenham and Chelsea, true to form, are also banging down the door with relentless attacking play. For Spurs, this looks like the Ange Postecoglou effect in full swing—fast, aggressive, and ruthless. Meanwhile, Chelsea seems to have finally shaken off last season’s woes with some revamped creativity under Pochettino. Arsenal and Manchester City round out the top five, as expected from two sides known for their high-octane offensive displays. This is the kind of early momentum that gives fans hope of title chases and European ambitions.
On the flip side, though, the bottom-dwellers tell a different story. West Ham and Ipswich Town are tied at the top (or should we say the bottom?) of the least shots on target chart. David Moyes must be pulling his hair out as his Hammers can’t seem to find the mark—perhaps a stark reminder that even after last season’s Europa Conference League victory, domestic form is still a work in progress. Ipswich, a fresh face in the Premier League, are getting a brutal welcome to the top tier. Wolves and Newcastle are also down there, struggling to make the most of their opportunities. Newcastle’s place here is particularly surprising given their squad depth and the high expectations on Eddie Howe to deliver again this season.
Southampton, back in the Premier League after a brief hiatus, rounds out the list. They’re finding their feet in the big league again, but they’ll need to improve that sharpness in front of goal if they want to stay competitive.
It’s still early days, but these lists are a reminder that in the Premier League, it’s not just about creating chances—it’s about taking them.
Defensive Standouts and Strugglers: Week 3 SoT Breakdown
As we approach match week 4, the early trends are starting to crystalize, especially when it comes to teams’ defensive fortitude (or lack thereof). And while it’s too early to sound the alarm for some, others are showcasing the kind of defensive solidity that turns title dreams into reality. Let’s take a look at the best and worst teams when it comes to shots on target (SoT) conceded after Week 3.
At the top of the pile, Manchester City is not just dominating in attack; they’re barely allowing opponents to test Ederson at all. A league-low six shots on target conceded is ridiculous—and while Pep’s squad typically gets the headlines for their ball control and flair, this stat shows their defensive balance is just as terrifying for opponents. Tottenham, Liverpool, and Manchester United are also keeping things tight at the back, while Nottingham Forest sneaks into this conversation, a surprise inclusion among the usual big guns. Forest’s resilience could be the key to them avoiding a relegation dogfight, proving there’s more than one way to secure Premier League survival.
On the flip side, Bournemouth and Brentford are already living dangerously, leading the league in shots conceded against them. It’s almost like they’re inviting opponents into a shooting gallery. Brentford’s typically solid defense seems a little more porous this season, while Bournemouth’s situation is downright alarming. The Cherries are giving their keepers a serious workout—one that’s bound to tire them out if things don’t tighten up quickly. Everton, Wolves, and Leicester City join them in the “could be doing better” group, with 19+ shots conceded. Leicester, back in the big time, need to find their defensive feet if they’re going to stay there.
What these numbers tell us is that Week 3 has already shown us who the heavyweights are, defensively speaking. Manchester City is setting the standard, while others are getting target practice at the other end of the spectrum. Time will tell if Bournemouth and Brentford can patch up their leaky defense, but for now, they’re already making their goalkeepers earn their wages. If they’re not careful, they might find themselves dragged into the relegation battle sooner than later.