Stunning statistics from Leeds United’s Championship season so far shared on social media by LUFC Data have left lots of supporters revelling in Marcelo Bielsa’s work.
United are currently sitting second in the league standings to West Bromwich Albion by a single point after the Baggies were beaten at home by Wigan Athletic last time out.
We, meanwhile, extended our winning streak to four league games with a resounding 4-0 victory away to Hull City, and will host Huddersfield Town this weekend looking to do the double over our West Yorkshire rivals following the 2-0 win secured at the John Smith’s Stadium back in December.
But while we prepare to face the Terriers a point down on West Brom, Bielsa’s men lead the division in many statistical categories as a result of the performances produced over the 36 games played to date.
Would this season be a failure without the title?
Yes
No
For example, United have averaged a greater share of possession (65%) than any other second-tier side has in 2019/20, while also enjoying more victories (20) and clean sheets (16).
We have also taken more shots (591) than any other club in the division, fashioned more efforts on target (191), created more chances (455), created more big chances (96), made more recoveries (2059), won possession more often in the final third (190) and boast the best expected goals (66.6) and the lowest expected goals conceded (28.9).
Bielsa’s men are underachieving in regards to goals scored when compared to our expected goals, having only found the back of the net 54 times thus far – 12 of which have come through Patrick Bamford, while Pablo Hernandez (six) and Jack Harrison (five) round out our top-three.
We are also underachieving in regards to goals conceded, having allowed 30 to be scored against us, although that remains the best defensive record in the second-tier.
Here are some of the messages shared as fans reacted to LUFC Data’s post…
This is a sexy sexy thread. We are so lucky to watch this team in this division. Marcelo = God #LUFC #MOT ⚽️⚽️⚽️ https://t.co/AP7cb0UFfM
— Liam Horsley (@liamhorsley18) March 4, 2020
Leeds are going up, behind closed doors. What a weird end to the Prime video that will be. Nobody in the ground and 35,000 outside on the street.
— Best of the Bets (@botbforum) March 5, 2020
And people wanted big Sam over bielsa. https://t.co/k9ZHHNWVfU
— Callum Scott (@calliejscott) March 4, 2020
Bielsa Ball… 😍. Just imagine if he had a team that he could actually play in their proper positions… 🤔😉🍺
— Tugg Knightly (@KnightlyTugg) March 4, 2020
Wow!!!! #lufc https://t.co/AuasG3KjRT
— WeAllLoveLeeds (@AllLoveLeeds) March 4, 2020
Impressive. Just catching up on these type of stats. I would think goal conversions as a share of xG or of big chances is pretty low right…based on commentary on how many missed chances..forward conversions, etc.
— David Reichsfeld (@drifle82) March 4, 2020
These metrics prove we are the best team in the division and this also shows why we’d take to the prem so easily. With a ok conversion rate we’d have promotion wrapped up nearly by now. https://t.co/AvG5pHzOUl
— J (@J_lufc_3) March 5, 2020
Just a tad better than average then! As the southern based media dogs keep making out everytime we have a minor blip! MOT
— Rev D. Scour (@DavidScourfiel9) March 4, 2020
“If it was a boxing match the referee would stop the fight…” https://t.co/qbDu3W0PqM
— HungryDuck 💙💛🇬🇧🏴 (@LUFCPATRIOT69) March 4, 2020
Jesus. I didn’t realise it was that obvious!
— Ant M (@AntMit) March 4, 2020
By far the best team in the division 2 seasons running now and if we don’t go up it will be the most underachieving team ever https://t.co/bZBPMdd8cM
— Jayden (@JaydenHills2) March 5, 2020
In other Leeds United news, a rarely-seen player has been backed to hand Bielsa doubt over the future of a first-team regular.