Glossary

Here one can find a convenient list of all the statistics we use or refer to on the site. To look for something specific, use CONTROL (or) COMMAND + F. Let us know if you can’t find something!

Attempt (Att): As defined by Opta, any effort made to score a goal, whether it be with a foot, the head, or another body part. Also referred to as a shot attempt, and includes:

• Shots on target/on goal (SOT or SOG): Any attempt that either scores, or would have gone into the goal if not for the goalkeeper or last defender. SGF and SGA are shots on goal for and against, respectively.
• Shots off target (Soff): Any attempt that goes wide, high or hits the post or crossbar.
• Blocked shot: Any attempt believed to be on target, but blocked by a defender that is not the goalkeeper or last defender.

Attempt Ratio: The ratio of a team’s total shots attempted to its total shots allowed. Not to be confused with Total Shot Ratio. Same information, different presentation.

Expected Goals For (xGF): The number of goals a team (or player) would be expected to score if it (he) finished shots at the league average rate. Also referred to as xGoals.

Expected Goals Against (xGA): The number of goals a team would be expected to allow if its opponents finished at the league average rate.

Expected Goal Differential (xGD): The difference between xGF and xGA. A more detailed explanation of Expected Goals can be found here.

Possession (Poss): The proportion of total completed passes in a game that are completed by the team in question.

Possession in the attacking third (Poss3rd): The proportion of total completed passes in a game that are completed in the attacking third by the team in question.

Rebounds Forced/Allowed: Any shot that is saved by the goalkeeper, but rebounded for another shot within five seconds, is considered a Rebound Forced (RebsF) for the original shooter and a Rebound Allowed (RebsA) by the goalkeeper.

Shot: See Attempt.

xGoals: See Expected Goals For.