Arsenal clawed their way back into the title race with an impressive victory over Liverpool on Sunday, in a win which showed what they are capable of at their best.
Mikel Arteta’s side dominated the game, hardly giving Liverpool’s attackers a sniff of the ball, whilst also creating a lot going forward, recording a higher xG total than Jurgen Klopp’s side has ever faced in the Premier League.
Although Arsenal suffered a mid-season dip, and have been criticised for their goalscoring at times this season, they have controlled the vast majority of their games, and have remained defensively strong.
This is reflected in their underlying statistics, which shows that they are perhaps better than Manchester City and Liverpool in terms of overall performance, even if this is not fully reflected in the league table, with Arsenal currently third.
Arsenal top alternative Premier League table
Data analyst Ben Griffis has now highlighted that Arsenal have the highest expected points in the Premier League. This is measured through expected goals scored and conceded, as well as other metrics including possession, shots, duels and progressive passes.
Arsenal currently have 49 points from 23 games, and an expected points total of 45.11. Manchester City have an expected points total of 43.53, whilst Liverpool are some way behind despite being top of the league, with a total of 38.82.
However, despite topping this metric, as well as impressing in terms of xG conceded, Arsenal are projected to finish third, on 80 points, behind Man City on 83 and Liverpool on 84.
Are Arsenal the best performers in the Premier League?
Despite impressing in this metric and dominating in the majority of games, it would be a big statement to call Arsenal the best-performing side in the Premier League.
Arsenal are arguably the best defensively, and out of possession, there are not many teams in the world as well organised. However, goalscoring could hold them back in the title race.
Although Sunday’s victory over Liverpool was very impressive, over the course of the season, Arsenal may find themselves on the wrong side of poor results, even when performing well and dominating, as seen in recent defeats to West Ham and Liverpool in the FA Cup.
However, if Mikel Arteta’s side find their clinical edge, like they did against Liverpool, and continue to defend well, this shows that they can remain competitive in the title race.
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