Man United’s xG woes spark comparison…
The 2025/26 Premier League season has barely begun, yet some teams are already showing their cards. Manchester City fans were as shocked as a cat at a dog park after their 2-0 home loss to Tottenham. Meanwhile, Manchester United couldn’t find more goals than cats chasing imaginary mice, drawing 1-1 with Fulham. Liverpool, with the flair of a 16-year-old sensation Rio Ngumoha, clinched a victory against Newcastle like a ninja swooping in at the last minute. Chelsea delighted fans with a thrilling 5-1 victory over West Ham. But buckle up, as Opta’s xG table is here, tossing in a wild mix of stats, showing just how expectations stack up against reality.
Expected goals (xG) plays the numbers game, giving us an ‘alternative table’ based on scoring potential. Chelsea’s xG of 4.35 tops it as smooth as butter on hot toast, despite a 0-0 Crystal Palace slip. Arsenal follows close behind, like a diligent student with an xG of 4.19. Down the ladder, United’s xG of 3.15 is like a cat trying to outwalk its own tail—way off the pace. Brighton gives them company in the ‘missing goals’ club. In other tales of intrigue, Tottenham and Sunderland are playing over their xG potential like raccoons stealing snacks! Keep an eye out for this unexpected game within the game.
