20 Teams, 20 Observations: Arsenal's Strength in Depth, The Bruno Fernandes Dilemma

The Premier League is four games in and the numbers are beginning to paint a story. Here are 20 quick observations using Gradient Sports grades and event data metrics.

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Arsenal

Not even Mikel Arteta could have expected Cristhian Mosquera to settle into Premier League life this quickly. Stepping in for the injured William Saliba, Mosquera has looked at home in Arsenal’s defensive setup.

He grades above average for centre backs in every key area, including an 81.4 Challenge Grade [11th of 65] and a 70.6 Passing Grade [16th of 65].

Most impressively, he averages just 0.50 positional mistakes per 30 minutes out of possession, the 4th best mark among Premier League centre backs.

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Aston Villa

‍It has been a dreadful start for Villa with just two points and no goals after four games. But could Emi Buendia be the solution in attack?

In only 193 minutes played, he leads the team with 5 chances created and 10 passes into dangerous areas.

Bournemouth

David Brooks has been Bournemouth’s most consistent performer. His 92.6 Crossing Grade ranks 2nd in the league, while his 83.7 Passing Grade and 78.9 Shooting Grade rank 8th and 13th in his position group.

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His new contract looks deserved.

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Brentford

Dango Ouattara has been the most two-footed player in the Premier League.

53.1% of his passes, crosses, shots and clearances have come with his right foot, 46.9% with his left.

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Brighton and Hove Albion

Jan Paul van Hecke leads the league in line-breaking passes completed [40] and switch passes attempted [9]

Crucial in build-up.

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Burnley

Maxime Estève leads the Premier League with eight line-breaking passes intercepted this season.

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Chelsea

Chelsea have completed 26 balls over the top this season, the 2nd most in the league. Last year they ranked 11th.

Signs of better transition play?

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Crystal Palace

Tyrick Mitchell has been the best full back at defending dribbles with a 91.7 grade. Last year he topped the league for tackling (90.4).

Still underrated?

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Everton

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has made 17 passes into dangerous areas, the 3rd most of any player.

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Fulham

Kenny Tete’s 87.7 Challenge Grade is the highest among full backs and wing backs this season.

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Leeds United

Leeds have kept the ball in play more than any other side this season [57.8% of match time].

Do they need more street smarts?

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Liverpool

Cody Gakpo has been key in transition for Arne Slot. His 90.1 Ball Carry Grade, which factors in dribbling, carrying and tackle resistance, ranks 1st in the league.

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Manchester City

At 22, Oscar Bobb has impressed. His 87.4 Passing Grade is the best among City players, and he also leads the team in dribbles completed [6], passes into dangerous positions [12], and touches in the penalty area [37].

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Manchester United

Bruno Fernandes leads the league in chances created [13] and positively graded passes [32].

He has also made the 3rd most positional mistakes [11]. A system issue?

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Newcastle United

No player in the Premier League has covered more total distance than Bruno Guimarães [45.98 km].

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Nottingham Forest

New England international Elliot Anderson is the 2nd-highest graded passer in the league with a 90.7 grade.

He ranks 2nd in line-breaking passes completed [38] and 3rd in final-third passes [70].

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Sunderland

Omar Alderete has won 66.7% of aerial duels from opponent's crosses and 9 of 10 fifty-fifty duels this season.

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Tottenham Hotspur

Guglielmo Vicario has made the most positively graded saves of any goalkeeper with six in the first four games, four of them coming in the 1-0 defeat to Bournemouth.

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West Ham United

No team has created more chances from set pieces than West Ham [8]

Unfortunately, no team has conceded more goals from set pieces either [6]

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Wolverhampton Wanderers

Emmanuel Agbadou accounts for 24.2% of Wolves’ completed line-breaking passes and leads all defenders in the league with 21 passes above expectation.

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