STATS: Chelsea’s Lampard runs the most and Stoke’s Crouch hits the target
Chelsea v Stoke 15:00
– Chelsea’s perfect start to the season was disrupted by a dogged QPR as both sides failed to find the net in a fiery encounter. The match was largely overshadowed by the continuing controversy surrounding Anton Ferdinand and John Terry, as Chelsea continued their disappointing run of results at Loftus Road.
– Given that Jon Obi Mikel is usually vaunted for his defensive work, he has had a disappointing start to the season. He has been unsuccessful with 77% of his 13 tackles, conceding 9 fouls along the way.
– Juan Mata continues to be the quiet heartbeat of the Chelsea midfield, successfully making 48 passes so far this season in the final third of the pitch according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.
– Even at 34, Frank Lampard continues to be a force in the Chelsea midfield. He ran further than all of Chelsea teammates last weekend, clocking up 6.31 miles. His nearest rival for distance covered on the day, Eden Hazard, is 13 years his junior.
– David Luiz proved himself adept at reading QPR’s play last time out for Chelsea, stifling their progress with 6 interceptions, the most of any player that day.
– Stoke continued their good record at home against Man City with a typically determined display enough to earn them a point against the champions. A controversial opener from Peter Crouch proved sufficient to ensure the Potters left the game with something despite a Man City first-half equaliser.
– His goal on Saturday will have done Peter Crouch’s renewed international ambitions no harm at all, and the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index suggests that more may well be on the way. Crouch has been on target with 88% of his 8 shots so far this season.
– Crouch would likely do well to focus on his attacking duties though. He’s only been successful in 7% of his 14 challenges this season.
– Asmir Begovic was the busiest of any of the Premier League’s goalkeepers in this week’s fixtures. The Stoke stopper pulled off 8 saves against Man City.
– Robert Huth recorded a solid performance at the back for Stoke against Man City. According to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index he accumulated 7 interceptions and was successful with 75% of his challenges.
– The centre-half also produced a great showing as the quickest player on the pitch from either side as he was recorded at 22.75 mph.
– Steven Nzonzi’s workrate was exactly the level of effort needed by Stoke as they looked to frustrate Man City’s attacking prowess. Tony Pulis will likely have been very pleased with the French midfielder after he clocked up 5.67 miles against City.