Statistical Preview: Everton vs Swansea

Despite a resolute performance from ‘keeper David Marshall, a last minute winner from Seamus Coleman handed Everton all three points in their last game against Cardiff. They host another Welsh team in the form of Swansea who will have been disappointed by their loss at home to West Brom.   

Coleman’s goal topped off a fine individual performance, with the Irish right back a constant menace down Everton’s right flank. The Killybegs born youngster has been in scintillating form all term and his fine form is likely to result in a new contract, which will come as a relief for Evertonians as clubs such as Manchester City and Arsenal have been linked with the Toffee. His offensive threat on Saturday is evident through the fact that he completed a total of 40 passes in the opposition half, the second most in the Everton squad and also the second most of any defender in the league.

Coleman’s passing, however, was outshone by cultured midfielder Gareth Barry. The Englishman is having a barnstorming campaign and calls for him to return to the international fold are growing louder by the day. If he continues to perform as he did on Saturday, it will be hard for Roy Hodgson to not consider him come Brazil in 2 months time, as the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he completed an impressive 50 passes in the opposition half – the most in the league.  

Everton’s squad may not be the largest but one area where Roberto Martinez has ample quality is the number 10 role, with both Ross Barkley and his more experienced compatriot Leon Osman able to operate there to great effect. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that the duo have played practically the same number of minutes, 1668 and 1676 respectively, and have also made practically the same number of attacking contributions (based on shots on target, dribbles, crosses and passes completed in the opposition half) with 639 and 653.   

it wouldn’t be a surprise if Roberto Martinez looked to extend Gerard Deulofeu’s loan for another season, as when he has been fit, the Barcelona star has been something of a revelation. The Spaniard has had his season slightly disrupted by injury, but when he has played, he has demonstrated his excellent dribbling ability – completing a total of 23.

A desperately disappointing defeat at home to West Brom has set Swansea back slightly, with the Swans sitting a precarious 4 points above the relegation zone. Garry Monk will be hoping his team show a marked improvement when they head to Goodison Park this weekend.    

Unsurprisingly considering their philosophy, Swansea managed to dominate possession against the Baggies. Central to their efforts was defender Angel Rangel, who completed an outstanding 50 passes in the opposition half – the most in the Swansea squad, and also the most in the league.  

Midfielder Leon Britton also showcased his excellent passing ability against Pepe Mel’s men. The Englishman has featured in every tier of the Football League for the Swans, and his outstanding passing has meant that he has always been of integral importance. This ability was evident on Saturday as he completed a pass in the opposition half at an excellent rate of a pass every 1.8 minutes.

Wayne Routledge completed another 2 dribbles on Saturday to take his total number to 24 for the season. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that this is the second most in the Swansea squad, second only to Nathan Dyer who has completed 34.

Wilfried Bony has been a menance for the Swans this season and if Swansea are to survive, they will need him to continue to hit the back of the net on a regular basis. His goal threat is probably best demonstrated through the fact that he averages an effort at goal at an average of a shot every 26.1 minutes.