The Possession Game

[lickierambert]

Some interesting stats on our possession.

 

According to the BBC, today was the 13th consecutive game that Saints have had more possession than the opposition, with Chelsea (Away) the only game in the last 20 we've had less of the ball. Included in that run was Arsenal (twice), Man City and Chelsea at home.

 

In total, only Swansea, Liverpool and Chelsea have had more possession than us in a game this season.

 

Whilst Saints don't always create enough with it, it's certainly an indication of how well Schneiderlin/Cork/Wanyama are doing breaking stuff up in front of the defence, and how well the likes of Lallana are at keeping it further up the pitch. I wonder how many we can do in a row?

[70's Mike]

simple really the more we have the ball the less chance the opposition have of scoring

[Zurichsaint]

I think it is also a way we can maintain the high intensity pressing when we don't have the ball, without getting too tired. Mourinho used to talk about "resting with the ball". I believe that is the only way we can play the way we do for the full 90 mins, or for a whole season.

[Beckenham Saint]

and how well the likes of Lallana are at keeping it further up the pitch.

 

Agree with everything else- saw a stat before the Everton game that Lallana has been dispossessed more than any other player in the league so far (by that point) though.

 

It certainly can't hurt our chances of taking something from a game if we have more of the ball.