Statistic shows exactly what Roy Hodgson needs to work on in training
Crystal Palace are top of the table for one worrying statistic and it needs to be sorted out sooner rather than later.
It will not help us battle for a top 10 finish.
So, what is the worrying statistic that Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson needs to work on? Let’s take a look…
What’s the story?
It has been a decent start to the Premier League season for Crystal Palace but inconsistent form now sees them in the bottom half of the table.
They have the most clean sheets in the division and goalkeeper Sam Johnstone has been praised for his performances. Despite this, there is one other statistic which is quite worrying and also sums up their inconsistent form.
When it comes to teams being dispossessed in the Premier League, the Eagles rank first. They have been dispossessed 146 times, via the Premier League. This is 14 more times than the team who are second for this worrying statistic.
On average, they are dispossessed 12 times a game and if they continue to give the opposition the ball easily like this then there is no chance of finishing top half.
Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images
Crystal Palace have been dispossessed the most in Premier League
A team managed by Hodgson typically likes to allow the opposition to dominant possession so that we can attack on the counter, especially in matches away from home.
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For these types of matches, the Eagles cannot afford to be dispossessed as much as they are on average and it will guarantee they produce fewer chances.
Now, with Palace having quite a strong squad, teams visiting Selhurst Park tend to give the South London side more possession.
Our two 0-0 draws against Nottingham Forest and Fulham at home emphasise that we struggle to break down these defences. In order to create more chances we need to be a lot better at holding onto the ball.
This emphasises that Hodgson needs to work on the team not being dispossessed as much in training so that they do not continue to lead the way in this worrying statistic.
If we could get rid of these sort of issues then there is no reason that Palace can not cause an upset in the Premier League this season.
