20 Teams, 20 Observations: Moises Caicedo Shines, Liverpool's Long Ball Issues

The Premier League is nine games in, so it's time to take another look at the key data points telling the story of the season. Here are 20 quick observations using Gradient Sports grades and event data metrics.

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Arsenal

Martin Zubimendi has settled into life at Arsenal quickly, often kickstarting the team in attacking transitions. 31.2% of his passes in the Premier League this season are forward, leading the team with 51 line-breaking passes completed.

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Aston Villa

Aston Villa have attempted the fewest pressures in the final third this season (647) and the second fewest in the middle third (1,149).

Bournemouth

Marcos Senesi has a defined role in Andoni Iraola’s system: to play balls into the channels to hit teams on the counter. Senesi has attempted 83 balls over the top this season, 31 more than Pedro Porro in second place (52) and 49 more than Jordan Henderson in third (34).

Brentford

Michael Kayode has shown there is much more to his game than just a long throw this season. His player grades among Premier League full backs:

• Crossing: 84.1 (1st)
• Defending Dribbles: 88.2 (2nd)
• Passing: 83.7 (2nd)
• Ball Carrying: 76.2 (10th)
• Challenge: 75.6 (17th)

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Brighton and Hove Albion

No player in the Premier League this season makes more sprints per 90 minutes than Yankuba Minteh (32).
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(Number of times speed reached ≥25 km/h)

Burnley

Martin Dubravka is the highest-graded shot-stopper in the Premier League this season (98.6), registering 17 positively graded saves and no downgrades.

Chelsea

Moises Caicedo has been a standout performer for Chelsea this season. He leads the team in line-breaking passes completed (55), tackles won (18), and shots deemed ‘unsaveable’ by the goalkeeper (3)—a good example of his presence in all phases of play.

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Crystal Palace

8.1% of Adam Wharton’s passes in the Premier League this season have been positively graded (1st among Palace players), with 5.1% of his total passes played into a dangerous position.

Everton

39.4% of Everton’s passes in the Premier League this season are forward passes, ranking 3rd out of 20.

Fulham

Josh King has received 7.29 line-breaking passes per 90 in the Premier League this season, ranking 1st among Fulham players and 5th overall.

Leeds United

Gabriel Gudmundsson leads the Premier League with a 90.0 Ball Carry Grade, which factors in dribbling, carrying, and tackle resistance.

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Liverpool

Liverpool have faced 22.93 balls over the top per 30 minutes out of possession in the Premier League this season, ranking 1st by a considerable margin. Last season, they faced 14.51 per 30 out of possession, ranking 4th.

Weakness?

Manchester City

Erling Haaland is inevitable. He’s the only player in the Premier League dataset to register four 80+ Seasonal Shooting Grades.

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Manchester United

Bruno Fernandes has the highest seasonal passing grade so far (96.1). He also recorded the highest single-game passing performance, receiving a 94.6 in the 3–0 defeat to Manchester City. He had 13 positively graded passes out of 62, and only two negatives.

Newcastle United

Newcastle have the best record at defending set pieces, allowing only three chances so far this season from the opening cross (first phase).

Nottingham Forest

Three managers in, but one thing remains the same at Nottingham Forest: Elliot Anderson is playing at an elite level. He leads the Premier League with 785 possessions and has registered 2,116 total touches (495 more than second place). He ranks 2nd for line-breaking passes completed (86) and 1st for line-breaking passes breaking multiple lines (8).

Sunderland

No player in the Premier League this season has covered more total distance than Granit Xhaka (100.85 km).

Tottenham Hotspur

The majority of Tottenham's attacking threat this season has come from overloading the right-hand side. Mohammed Kudus leads the league with 11 half-chances or better created from crosses, with Pedro Porro also creating 5 (most among full backs).

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West Ham United

Jarrod Bowen remains at the heart of everything West Ham create, performing above his positional average in every major attacking grading facet.

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Wolverhampton Wanderers

It's been a difficult season for Wolves, but one positive is their strength in defending set pieces. They rank 2nd out of 20 for the fewest positional mistakes when defending set pieces and haven't conceded a single clear chance.

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