xGenius : Expected Goals and the Science of Winning Football Matches

Eye-opening… An essential read for any football fan’ – Jamie CarragherxGenius takes a tour of the world’s most pioneering football clubs, uncovering how elite teams are using xG to win more matches. Any club not adopting this model will be left behind. The concept of Expected Goals – or xG – has changed how we understand football. Every fan will have heard of xG, many will understand what it is, but few will know exactly how it’s being used by football teams to improve their chances of winning matches. xGenius explores the interplay between analysis, tactics and decision-making. It seeks to put the sport of football under the microscope with the aim of getting closer to the ultimate truth of what makes players, managers and teams successful. What, ultimately, wins matches. The book looks at the model which every club should adopt, one which has allowed teams like Liverpool, Arsenal, Brighton and Brentford to punch well above their financial weight. Would you rather sign a striker who’s scored 10 goals from 20.00(xG), or 20 goals from 10.00(xG)? How was xG utilised to sign the most fearsome attacking front three in Premier League history?xGenius shows how top-level football analysis is being carried out by the very best in the business. The insights explored in this book will change the way you watch football.