EPL Mid-Term report: Five key stats that have defined Man City's season so far

Dubbed as one of the favourites for the 2013/14 Premier League season, it’s been somewhat of a strange start from Manuel Pellegrini’s side. Manchester City have looked like world-beaters in several of their fixtures—scoring more goals than any other team—but have struggled to make as much of an impact as they probably should due to a couple of frustrating results.

• Position: 8th

• Points: 19

• Goals Scored: 28

• Goals Conceded: 12

Result of the season

After taking the lead early against the defending champions courtesy of Sergio Aguero, City rattled off three quick goals in a manner of minutes to send the Etihad into a frenzy. The power of Yaya Toure and Fernandinho in midfield was simply no match for United, with City’s defence winning an impressive 18 of 22 attempted tackles en route to a remarkable victory.

Low Point of the Season so far

No fixture would have been as frustrating for City as the defeat to Aston Villa—less than a week after running riot over United at the Etihad. City had over 60 per cent possession on the day and double the amount of shots on goal as their opponents, but some lacklustre defending, particularly the eventual game-winner to Andreas Weimann, condemned them to a 3-2 defeat.

Team Outlook

As far as attacking play goes, there’s little doubt that Pellegrini’s men are up there with the best in the league. They rank a clear first in Squawka’s Attacking Performance Score amongst Premier League teams this season, and for good reason—leading the league in possession, pass completion percentage and sitting second in total chances created.

However, the key for City remains their defensive liabilities and their away form, which have cost them greatly so far this year.

The Citizens have won the fourth-fewest duels among Premier League teams this season and have conceded more goals directly from defensive errors than any other team in England. Until they can start to rectify these issues, City may well struggle to live up to their billing as potential title winners this season.

Best Player – Yaya Toure

With the arrival of Fernandinho to fulfill much of the defensive work in central midfield, Yaya Toure has seemingly been given a new lease on life at City. He’s been much more potent in attack this year—scoring five goals and creating 12 goal-scoring chances for others—with his chance conversion rate (35.7 percent) one of the best across the entire league.

Worst Player – Joe Hart

Without wanting to point the finger directly at anyone, Joe Hart has struggled mightily in goals this year for City—leading to them dropping several points as a result. The England international has kept just three clean sheets all season despite having to make very few saves per game, leading to one of the worst Total Performance Scores in City’s squad this year.

It’s also seen him dropped to the bench for the Citizens, with Costel Pantilimon making two appearances.

Key Stats

Manchester City, during the Mancini years, have been criticised for their lack of width, making it easy for teams to defend against them. Pellegrini seems to noticed the problem and has gone along way to rectify it. Under new management, City have created the most chances on the left channel (27) and right channel (32) in the Premier league this season, with Jesus Navas and Pablo Zabaleta heavily involved.

As mentioned above, no other club in the league this year has made as many defensive errors that have directly led to goals as Manchester City. And while that’s a staggering statistic, what’s worse is the games that those errors have come in—one in each of their losses to Chelsea, Sunderland, Cardiff City and Aston Villa.

Had they not given away those errors (and therefore those goals), City would have four more points to their season total than they do right now, which would be enough to put them from their current position of eighth all the way to second.

Squawka Verdict

There’s no doubting that City have a very talented team (as far as their attack goes) and that on their day, they are capable of beating any team in England. However, with doubts surrounding their away form and their exposure at the back, there’s simply no way that you can categorically say they’ll win the league. I think City will show their class over the back half of the year (and will rise up the table as a result), but I can’t seem them finishing first given their road troubles and defensive struggles.

3/5 Stars