STATS: Barry’s hard work for Manchester City vs Fellain’s goal contribution for Everton
Manchester City vs. Everton (15:00)
Still undefeated in the Premier League this season, Manchester City are looking good for another title push. Their opponents this weekend are also performing well, and are determined to break into the league’s top four- this tie should be an excellent display of attacking talent:
– Yaya Toure is the most prolific passer of the ball in the whole league, having completed 609 at an incredible rate of just under one every two minutes according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.
– Mario Balotelli’s goal against Wigan was his first in the league since March, but Roberto Mancini was still unhappy with the Italian’s overall performance. Balotelli recorded the tenth fastest average speed among his teammates and is yet to be in the top three during a game this season.
– Gareth Barry, on the other hand, was City’s hardest working player and covered 6.85 miles, half a mile more than David Silva in second. Wednesday’s match was the fourth in a row in which Barry has achieved this feat.
– City are now the only team in the entire football league not to have lost this season, and will be aiming to repeat Arsenal’s legendary ‘invincible’ 2003-04 record of zero defeats.
Everton remained strong in the face of adversity against Arsenal on Wednesday, cancelling out the Gunners’ early strike to secure a point. This strength of spirit could be critical against a Manchester City side that are looking increasingly dangerous:
– Marouane Fellaini marked his return to the Everton line-up with a goal against Arsenal, and is in the league’s top ten most threatening players- the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that the Belgian has shot on target once every 45.8 minutes on average.
– Fellaini unfortunately continues to sit atop the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index for defensive misdemeanor though, having been pulled up for a foul 32 times so far this season.
– Leon Osman ran tirelessly again against Arsenal, covering 6.61 miles. For five consecutive matches now, he’s been either his side’s hardest or second hardest worker.
– Tim Howard’s opposite number on Sunday has attracted rave reviews for his performances in goal this season. The American’s statistical record is not far off Joe Hart’s, he’s saved 75.7 percent of the 74 shots on target he’s faced compared to Hart’s 79.6 percent from 49.
– In all competitions this season, the Toffees have only failed to find the net once. They are the only team in the entire league other than West Brom who can boast this record, and will be looking to score early against the champions.