Statistical Preview: Stoke vs Arsenal

Stoke City travelled to the Etihad last week with the hope of capitalising on Manchester City’s recent defeat at the hands of Barcelona in the Champions League. The visitors, defending deep, coped well with the considerable attacking power of Man City and were unlucky not to take the lead when Charlie Adam had a shot palmed wide by keeper Joe Hart. The Potters will be hoping to return to the form, which had seen them go 3 games unbeaten before their trip to the Etihad.

With 12 Attacking contributions (crosses, passes, shots on target and dribbles) The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that Peter Crouch proved to be Stokes most dangerous player at the Etihad. Crouch completed 12 passes in the opposition half; more than any other Stoke player.

Marko Arnautovic played an integral role in containing City’s firepower upfront.  With a tackle win percentage of 100%, equally important to the Potter’s stubborn defensive display was Ryan Shawcross.  The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he made 12 defensive contributions during his sides defeat and has the highest number of defensive contributions at the club with 307. 

Following his double strike which gave Stoke a rare win at Old Trafford, Charlie Adam will be hoping to build on his recent form and add to his current season which has seen him become Stoke’s top striker with a total of 6 goals.   

Arsenal will be hoping to put their disappointing defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League behind them this week as they welcome Stoke to The Emirates. The Gunners currently sit 1 point behind Premier League leaders Chelsea and will be looking to continue the form they showed in their 4-1 rout of Sunderland last week.

Despite the defeat at the hands of European Champions Bayern Munich, Arsène Wenger will be buoyed by the form of Olivier Giroud; who netted twice against Sunderland and looked threatening throughout the fixture.  The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that Giroud had a shot accuracy rating of 100%.

England international Jack Wilshere also demonstrated his worth, playing a vital part in both of Giroud’s goals. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he made 72 attacking contributions (shots on target, dribbles, passes and crosses) and completed a staggering 70 passes in the opposition half.

Arsenal fans will be hoping that Mesut Özil can put his midweek penalty miss behind him this weekend and return to the form which has seen him become the Premier League’s leader in passes made in the opposition half and attacking contributions in which he has made 1074 and 1012 respectively.