An analysis and comparison of possessions between a top, middle and bottom placed team in the Barclays Premier League.

Abstract

The aim of the study was to compare and analyse possessions between a top, middle and bottom placed team in the Barclays Premier League to assess any differences in style of play. Post-match analysis of 18 matches involving Manchester City, Newcastle United and Cardiff City was carried out on the 2013/14 Barclays Premier League season, using Studiocode to code every possession for each team within the 6 matches. Kappa reliability tests were conducted to the system which calculated a good strength of agreement. From the research study the following findings were found, Manchester City on average had the highest amount of possessions per game, they were the best at converting possessions they had from the defensive zone into positive outcomes, and Manchester City typically looked to play the ball in behind the most. Cardiff City on average looked to play the ball long the most, they scored the least goals and possessed the worst positive to negative ratio regarding outcomes. Finally regarding Newcastle United, looked to cross the ball and knock the ball long more frequently than Manchester City, had the greatest amount of possessions originate in the defensive zones and possessed the best AoT ratio. Implications of findings were identified relative to, informing team selections and coaching sessions and understanding differences in style of play between a top, middle and bottom placed team.