5 Telling Stats from Everton Relieving 1-0 Win Over Wolves

If this bizarre season has taught us anything, it’s that there really is a 12^th man in football.

The Blues picked up a rare three points at home against Wolves, but what did the numbers tell us about the performance?

6500

Everton have won all three games in which they’ve had fans in attendance this season

6500 fans were able to return to Goodison for this tie, and it was undoubtedly a welcome boost for the Blues in the midst of some of the worst home form in the club’s history.

It undoubtedly raised expectation and energy across the board, with audible groans preventing players from needlessly playing the ball back rather than take a more ambitious and offensive action.

This was just the third time this season that Everton have had fans in the stadium after also having 2000 spectators before Christmas as we also beat Arsenal and Chelsea – that makes for a 100% win rate with some fans at Goodison Park.

By comparison, Everton’s home record this season without fans has been nothing short of appalling, having won just one of their last 14 home matches at an empty Goodison.

2020/21 Home Record without Fans:
Played: 16
Won: 3
Drawn: 4
Lost: 9

Corner Kings

Everton score their 10^th goal of the season

While Everton have struggled to created chances from open play since October (Everton are 15^th in the table for shots per game), there is one area in which the Blues have excelled: attacking corners.

Indeed, the Blues are joint top in the league (with West Ham) with 10 goals from corners this season. That stat is even more impressive when you consider that Everton are 14^th in the table in terms of corners taken (162 in total), meaning the Blues have averaged one goal every 16.2 corners.

Possession

Blues win again after seeing less of the ball (41%)

Of the 17 games Everton have won this season, the Blues have had less possession in 12 of those games.

By stark contrast, of Everton’s 12 losses, the Blues have had more possession on seven of those occasions. It’s quite clear that Everton are much more successful when they don’t try to dominate the ball.

NOT The Worst Home Record in Our History

Everton had to pick up three points against Wolves in order to avoid recording the worst ever home points tally in the club’s 143-year history. And they managed it… just.

The Blues have averaged a measly 1.16 points at home this season, the second worst in the club’s history. But it does mean the 1.14 points picked up in 1957/58 remains the worst.

Ironically, if Everton pick up a point or more at the weekend, this season will be confirmed as the club’s best ever away performance, with the Blues currently averaging a remarkable 2.06 points on the road.

7th, or 10th?

One game to go and still something to play for

Although it’s disappointing that only the new Europa Conference League is left to play for, at least Everton do have something to play for on the last day of the season – when was the last time that happened!?

Theoretically, a point at Manchester City could be enough to secure Everton 7^th place if Tottenham Hotspur lose at Leicester City, but that would also mean Arsenal would have to drop points at home to Brighton & Hove Albion.

If Everton were to lose, though, the Blues could slip to a hugely disappointing 10^th position if Arsenal pick up any points and Leeds United beat West Bromwich Albion.

In reality, 10^th is probably more likely than 7^th unfortunately…

Prove us wrong, Everton.