Premier League: Four Teams Who Missed Expectations
3. Chelsea
The Blues had a flimsy hold on the final Champions League position. Their lead was only three points over Manchester United and five points from Wolves and Sheffield. Frank Lampard has fielded one of the youngest teams in the league, leading to inconsistent play.
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Chelsea has knocked in 51 goals this season yet their xG is 56.09. Their offensive goal conversion rate of -5.09 is 12th in the Top Flight. Lampard’s men have a defensive goal conversion rate of -7.86, as they have conceded 39 goals with an expected goals against (xGA) of 31.14. Their rate of keeping clean sheets is the second-worst in the Premier League.
Most would blame this on poor goalkeeping
Kepa Arrizabalaga has the lowest save percentage in the league for goalies who have played at least 1,500 minutes. However, his opponents’ PSxG/SoT of 0.35, is tied for the second-highest in the Premier League.
The Blues’ difficulties in converting opportunities into goals while averting opponents’ chances have led to the club not meeting the mark in terms of earning points. They are 17th in the Top Flight in converting expected points into actual points.
If Lampard’s squad had won some of those “earned” points, they would have clinched a Champions League spot weeks ago.