Sunderland's Biggest Problem Isn't Newcastle

On the blog yesterday we featured a dribbling study identifying Hatem Ben Arfa as the Premier League's runaway leader in successful dribbles. We noted, to the apparent shared glee of fellow Newcastle fans across the webosphere, that this season Ben Arfa has dribbled past more challengers (30) than Sunderland's entire team (27). We computed an overall dribbling proficiency statistic subtracting dispossessions from challenges won, and Ben Arfa was still among the league's top 5 (along with Newcastle teammate Davide Santon), with not a Mackem to be found in the vicinity. Which led us later to peek at the bottom of the league's dribbling proficiency list. See results at right.

From this exercise, we can ascertain that potentially effective methods for dispossessing Sunderland of the ball on Sunday might include blowing on them, or yelling "boo!" Ask Mackems about their worst enemy and most would probably say Newcastle. I would say, their players' own feet.

My esteemed co-blogger Matt (who is en route to watch the derby with and meet his two blogmates in person for the very first time) has turned up several other enriching pre-derby statistics. For example, so far this season Sunderland's total ball possession is 38 percent, which Matt points out "is like playing Barca every week." We have harped often on this site and in our podcasts about Newcastle's inability to create scoring chances, with 50 in seven matches so far this season. In six matches, Sunderland has created 23.

Alas, we have a voice of reason on the blog named Tom, and he has dampened our merriment with this: "Newcastle hasn't hit their stride yet and for as poor as Sunderland has been, they're only two points back. Fletcher has been really good for them, they've defended well and you have to think they're going to be really up for this one. By all accounts, Sessegnon and McClean haven't been at their usual levels so far, but they're both still pretty talented players. Not to mention they have Johnson. They also have played at Man City and Arsenal, which obviously doesn't help their possession stats. I just have this fear that NUFC fans may be taking Sunderland a bit lightly."

Fair enough. But if we can't take Sunderland lightly, the world is a dark place indeed. Bring on the derby. With three Newcastle bloggers and friends finally united.

Comments

[Timothy McKenna]

Either way looks like we could only pull off a draw..

[DunstonMag]

Bob, heard you being interviewed (i think it was you anyway) a few hours ago on BBC Radio 5 Live here in the UK! Great to hear your passion for the Toon. Keep up the good work. Hope you enjoy the Stoke game , and the city, during your visit in March.
Howay the Lads.