Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s 19 attacking runs against Brighton mark the highest number by any Premier League player so far this season. In a subsequent 4-0 defeat to Tottenham, he added 17 more runs, reaffirming his position at the forefront of attacking efforts.
However, despite his impressive run count, Calvert-Lewin has barely made an impact during the games. Everton’s disappointing start has seen them concede seven goals without scoring, and the striker has managed only one blocked shot across the two matches.
Only two forwards in the Premier League, including Calvert-Lewin, have started both games without registering a shot on target. The other, Liam Delap, has faced elite opponents in Liverpool and Manchester City.
Calvert-Lewin’s struggle is compounded by limited opportunities; his average of 0.96 passing options when he receives the ball is among the lowest in the league. This translates to a concerning expected pass completion rate of just 57.3 percent—the lowest among Premier League players. Everton’s current long-ball strategy is evidently failing.
Despite his unsatisfactory form and ongoing fitness concerns, the notion of Calvert-Lewin moving away from Everton is garnering attention. Analyzing the data suggests that he could thrive in a more dynamic team that effectively utilizes his runs.
Odegaard’s Pressing Prowess for Arsenal
Martin Odegaard continues to demonstrate his value as Arsenal’s captain, showcasing impressive pressing abilities in their recent 2-0 victory over Aston Villa, where he forced seven turnovers. His relentless effort against Wolves in the opening fixture also resulted in 16 turnovers, highlighting his work rate.
No Premier League player has won possession back for his side through pressing as frequently as Odegaard this season, achieving 133 pressing situations—figures more often associated with industrious players than playmakers.
Odegaard’s talent extends beyond work off the ball; he led the league last season with 88 chances created from open play, emphasizing the dual threat he poses on the field. Manager Mikel Arteta appreciates both his creative flair and the critical role of pressing for the team’s success.
Pereira’s Impactful Set Pieces for Fulham
Fulham’s Andreas Pereira has already made a significant impact from set pieces, creating nine chances—double that of any other Premier League player this season. This follows a trend from the previous season where Fulham created the second most corner opportunities, demonstrating Pereira’s essential role in their attacking strategy.
Southampton’s Struggles Despite High Possession
Southampton, surprisingly a newly-promoted side, currently leads the Premier League in passes attempted, totaling 1,305. Yet, despite matching the reigning champions Manchester City in passing volume, they have failed to score in their two games, raising alarms about their efficiency.
In contrast to City’s six goals and six points, Southampton has had a lackluster campaign, failing to capitalize on advantageous situations, including a match against a reduced Newcastle side and a home fixture against Nottingham Forest.
Despite controlling 65 percent of possession in their last outing, Southampton managed only 18 percent of the shots, underlining their poor conversion rate. Their current average of 683 passes per expected goal indicates a need for improvement in attacking effectiveness. Manager Russell Martin emphasized the importance of maintaining a possession-based style, aiming for improvement rather than a complete overhaul.
The path to survival in the Premier League for Southampton is uncertain given their current performance, raising questions about whether a passive style can yield positive results moving forward.
