Premier League: Arsenal’s 2019-20 Players of the Year
Arsenal’s defense was like warm butter during the first part of the season. However, they showed signs of solidifying under their new manager.
Overall, the Gunners have conceded the eighth-fewest goals but had the eighth highest expected goals against. This apparent contradiction sheds light on the defense’s ability to stop opponents from converting their goal opportunities.
The team had a defensive goal conversion ratio of +4.7 and a post-shot goal conversion ratio of +6.2, sixth, and fifth-best in the league, respectively.
In the Gunners 18 matches before Arteta took over, they gave up two or more goals on ten occasions (including four in a row). In the new gaffer’s ten league matches, the club gave up two or more goals just three times and had four clean sheets.
A couple of Arsenal’s best defenders were in the midfield.
The ex-team captain, Xhaka, led the club in overall tackles and the number of dribblers tackled. He also was tops in team goal differential while on the pitch.
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Midfielder Lucas Torreira led the team in tackles won, tackles in the middle third, and interceptions. He also was second in pressures and third in successful pressures.
From a statistical standpoint, the object of many fans’ projections, David Luiz was the Gunners’ best back-line player. The late summer transfer from Chelsea led in blocks, shots blocked, and clearances. He also knocked in two goals and was the defender with the most tackles and tackles won.
Arsenal’s defensive player of the year is goalkeeper Bernd Leno.
The Gunners drew in 13 matches this season, tied for most in the Prem. It was their steadfast goaltender that won them games they should have drawn and got them the result they should not have earned.
Sure, one could look at the fact that he only had seven clean sheets and a goals-against per 90 minutes that was only ninth-best in the league, and say he was mediocre.
However, underneath those numbers lies the true story.
In his second season with Arsenal, the 27-year old had the third-best save percentage despite having to face the third-highest number of shots on target in the Premier League. Leno also had the second-highest number of saves.
In other words, Leno regularly was called upon to rescue the maligned defense, and he came through – time and time again.
Next. Lacazette's Arsenal career should be over. dark
Gunners supporters have not started to project their frustrations onto Arteta or their new captain, Auba, but if their resurgence continues, hopefully, they will not need to.