The Premier League’s 2024/25 season is heating up after eight matchweeks, and the data shine a light on some of the more detailed aspects of team performances. Let’s dive into the key insights from these three data lists on expected goals (xG) for %, xG against, and overall xG to see how teams are stacking up beyond just their points on the table.
Expected Goals For % (xG For %)
Liverpool leads the pack with a commanding 72% xG For percentage, showcasing their attacking prowess and clinical nature. Sitting comfortably atop the table, the data backs up what the eye test already suggests—Liverpool are relentless in the final third. Tottenham and Manchester City are also putting up strong numbers at 65% and 64% respectively, solidifying their place among the elite offenses of the league.
Expected Goals Against (xG Against)
When it comes to defensive solidity, no one is doing it better than Liverpool. Conceding just 6.1 xG so far, their backline and Alisson in goal have been nothing short of spectacular. Manchester City and Aston Villa are next in line with 8.5 xG against, showing their ability to stifle opponents even if they haven’t quite matched Liverpool’s dominance.
Surprisingly, Tottenham’s defense, while solid (8.8 xG against), still raises questions in big games, as they’ve looked shaky at times despite their solid metrics. Arsenal (9.1 xG against) have work to do defensively if they want to keep pace with the top of the table, while Chelsea and Manchester United hover around the middle of the pack—positions that align with their somewhat erratic performances so far.
On the flip side, Wolves’ 17.1 xG against highlights the defensive calamity that has plagued their campaign, anchoring them to the bottom of both the stats and the league table. They’re leaking chances, and the numbers suggest it’s not just bad luck—serious tactical adjustments are needed if they hope to survive this season.
Overall Expected Goals (xG)
Looking at overall xG, Tottenham lead the charge with a league-high 16.7 xG, followed closely by Liverpool (15.7 xG) and Chelsea (15.4 xG). These stats further underscore Tottenham’s threat under Ange Postecoglou, who’s shaping Spurs into one of the most formidable attacking sides. Spurs might not be firing on all cylinders just yet, but if these xG numbers are any indication, expect more goals to come their way as the season unfolds.
The data also shows Bournemouth as a surprise contender in the top five with a 13.9 xG total. They’ve been creating chances but sit mid-table in points, suggesting some underperformance. Meanwhile, Manchester United (12.3 xG) continue to underwhelm in attack, despite generating decent opportunities—they need to convert more if they’re to avoid slipping further into irrelevance this season.
At the other end, it’s Wolves, Ipswich Town, and Leicester City rounding out the bottom three. Their meager xG figures reflect their struggles in both defense and attack. Leicester’s 8.1 xG is a worrying sign for a team that needs more creativity, especially if they hope to avoid becoming entrenched in a relegation battle.
The expected goals data offers a more nuanced perspective of the Premier League so far. Liverpool look set to challenge for the title with their balance of clinical finishing and rock-solid defense, while Manchester City and Tottenham continue to flex their offensive muscles. Chelsea and Bournemouth’s data suggests they may yet improve as the season progresses, while Wolves and Ipswich Town face a tough road ahead based on their weak performances at both ends of the pitch.