Swansea’s De Guzman. Clocked at 22.17mph.
Want to be the pub/terrace know-all this weekend? Want to know who has committed the most fouls? Or who has covered the most ground? Which player has quietly excelled and who needs to up their game? Then read on and let the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index provide you with enough stats to impress everyone but girly girls.
Saturday September 22nd
Swansea v Everton 12:45
– Swansea fell to their first defeat in the Premier League this season, losing 2-0 to Aston Villa. Although Nathan Dyer and Angel Rangel both looked dangerous for the visitors, the Swans were unable to muster a consistent enough threat on goal to prevent Villa leaving with all 3 points.
– Angel Rangel complemented his good attacking play with a solid work ethic against Everton according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. He ran for 6.58 miles, the most of any Swansea player, closely followed by Jonathan de Guzman with 6.52 miles.
– Swansea’s Angel Rangel is fourth in the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index for overall distance covered with 25.09 miles covered so far this season
– De Guzman also managed to clock the fastest speed of any Swansea player on the day at 22.17mph.
– Although he didn’t manage to find the net at the weekend, Miguel Michu still has the joint highest goal record in the Premier League this season with 4.
– There are only two defenders ranked in the top ten for ball receptions according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index and both play for Swansea. Ashley Williams and Chico have racked up an impressive 263 and 237 receptions respectively.
– Swansea’s midfield duo of Wayne Routledge and Nathan Dyer have continued to impress with their effective play this season. They rank 3rd and 4th for most assists according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index with 3 and 2 respectively.
– Dyer also successfully completed 31 passes in his opponent’s half against Aston Villa, more than any other Swans player.
– Everton were denied a fine home win by a resolute Newcastle on Monday night at Goodison Park. The Everton faithful will be left feeling extremely hard done by after having two efforts from Marouane Fellaini and Victor Anichebe ruled out and dominating play in the opening half. Unfortunately though, goals from Leighton Baines and Anichebe were not enough to prevent Newcastle earning a draw with a late equaliser.
– Leon Osman ran more miles than any other player on the pitch during Everton’s thrilling draw, clocking up 6.47 miles.
– The diminutive midfielder was also Everton’s fastest player against the Magpies, having been recorded at 20.74mph.
– Steven Pienaar’s performances this season continue to be reflected on the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. He’s recorded an impressive 49 successful passes in the attacking third of the pitch.
– Marouane Fellaini’s defensive misdemeanours will likely have continued to be a headache for Toffees boss David Moyes. The imposing Belgian still tops the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index for fouls with 14 from only four matches.
– However, the Belgian midfielder’s work rate shows his enthusiasm in the centre of the park, he remains in the top ten players for overall distance covered this season with 24.13 miles
– Kevin Mirallas holds the unwelcome distinction of having committed more fouls than any other player during the last round of matches. He was pulled up by the officials against Newcastle 6 times.
– Along with his goal on Monday, Leighton Baines will be happy with the consistent level of performance he’s been turning in for Everton. His 17 crosses places him second in the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.
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 heart of 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.
The saints’ under-rated enforcer Morgan Schneiderlin.
Southampton v Aston Villa 15:00
– Southampton were brushed aside by a free-flowing Arsenal as they fell to a heavy 6-1 defeat. Although two own goals from Jos Hooveld and Nathaniel Clyne certainly didn’t help the scoreline’s appearance, the Saints will have had few complaints after being outplayed in a clinical display from the Gunners.
– Although Morgan Schneiderlin continues to impress in the middle of the park for Southampton, he’s been successful with 66% of his 21 tackles this season, he’s also conceded 7 fouls to go along with it.
– However on the day Schneiderlin certainly attempted to stem the tide of relentless Arsenal pressure at the weekend with some effective defensive work. He was successful with 86% of his 7 tackles and made 5 interceptions.
– Hopefully Nathaniel Clyne’s own goal against Arsenal will not have affected his confidence as he’s been in good form at the back so far for Southampton. An 81% tackle success rate from 16 challenges should not to be overlooked.
– Southampton certainly did their fair amount of chasing as Arsenal dominated the possession at the weekend. Youngster James Ward-Prowse led the charge as he ran for a game-leading 6.59 miles.
– Southampton’s team work ethic has been a plus to their start to Premier League like. After four games they remain top of the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index for overall distance covered as a team with 255.39 miles, led by Schneiderlin with 27.72 miles
– Nigel Adkins will likely be looking for more of an impact from his front men as the season continues. The Saint’s biggest goal threat so far this campaign has been midfielder Adam Lallana who’s had 10 shots on goal, 60% of which have been on target.
– Goals from Matthew Lowton and Christian Benteke gave Aston Villa a deserved three points against Swansea on Saturday. Villa managed to effectively disrupt Swansea’s much vaunted creativity in attack whilst playing some attractive football themselves, with Eric Lichaj and Benteke particularly impressing for the home side.
– Lowton’s goal at the weekend will have been a coup for the English defender but it is in some of his more regular duties that he has excelled this season. According to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index he’s been successful in 80% of his tackles in his four appearances this campaign and has also chipped in with 19 interceptions.
– Villa midfielder Karim El Ahmadi would do well to tighten up some of the defensive work he has produced so far this season. The Moroccan midfielder has lost out on 15 tackles in his opening appearances, placing him second highest on the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.
– Australian striker Brett Holman will be risking the wrath of Villa boss Paul Lambert if he continues to give away fouls so readily for the rest of the season. He is the highest ranked striker on the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index for fouls conceded having already given away 10 this season.
– Ahmadi can’t be faulted for his work ethic against Swansea last weekend though. He covered a solid 6.74 miles, second only to teammate Barry Bannan with 6.76 miles.
-While this weekend’s opponents Southampton top the charts for distance covered as a squad, Villa are no slouches either and are currently fourth in the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index for distance overall with 239.86 miles
– Ciaran Clark continues to grow as an authority figure at the back for Aston Villa. He made more successful tackles than any other player on the pitch against Swansea with 4.
West Brom v Reading 15:00
– West Brom’s fine start to the season was ended in more ways than one against Fulham, as they failed to find the net and had Peter Odemwingie sent off after a reckless challenge. There were some bright spots for the Baggies though, as Romelu Lukaku again acquitted himself well following another substitute cameo.
– West Brom midfielder Youssouf Mulumbu was recorded as the fastest player on the pitch against the Cottagers, when the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index recorded him at 22.18mph.
– Gareth McAuley’s reading of the game so far this campaign has been largely exceptional. He’s pulled off a mammoth 38 interceptions already from his first four appearances placing him top of the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.
– Jonas Olsson pulled off a remarkable defensive performance last weekend against Fulham, despite the Baggies eventually succumbing to defeat. He won all 3 of his challenges, as well as making 8 clearances and 18 successful interceptions, the most in a single match by any player this season
– No player on the pitch was working harder than West Brom defender Liam Ridgewell last weekend as he ran for a solid 5.73 miles.
– Reading fell victim to a Tottenham side who looked to have rediscovered some form as they were convincingly beaten 1-3 at home. A solitary goal from Hal Robson-Kanu was not enough to stave off defeat as Reading found themselves outclassed throughout the 90 minutes.
– Despite the result, Reading posted the second highest total for a club in a single game this season with 66.12 miles
– Striker Gareth McLeary continued to showcase his value to Reading manager Brian McDermott with his work rate against Tottenham last Monday. No player covered more distance as he racked up 6.66 miles.
– Mikele Leigertwood outstripped even notoriously fleet-footed Tottenham winger Aaron Lennon as the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index registered him at 21.98mph, 0.92mph quicker than the England international.
– Despite playing at left-back, Ian Harte still managed to get even more involved in QPR’s play than some of his team mates, completing 15 successful passes in the reigning European Champions half of the pitch.
Three shots on target, three goals for the clinical Steven Fletcher.
West Ham v Sunderland 15:00
– West Ham fought to a 0-0 draw against Norwich despite managing to create a number of chances on John Ruddy’s goal. Although Carlton Cole, Kevin Nolan and others managed to carve out opportunities, the Hammers are still searching for their first points away from home this season.
– Midfielder Mark Noble continues to compile an impressive series of hard-working performances for West Ham this season. He once again ran harder than any other player involved in the match against Norwich with 6.93 miles, the fifth highest of a single player in a single match so far this season.
– So far this season Mark Noble has covered the second highest total distance in the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index with 26.95 miles in the first four games
– West Ham are also second overall for distance covered as a squad with 244.76 miles, second only to fellow newly promoted side Southampton
– Noble’s teammates have evidently also been recognising his value to this Hammers squad. He’s received the ball of the 172 times so far this season, the largest amount of any West Ham player according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.
– Winston Reid recorded the fastest speed of any Premier League player so far this season when the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index clocked him running at 23.38mph.
– Ricardo Vaz Te also recorded 23.14 miles per hour in the game, the third highest speed recorded so far this season
– Defensive midfielder Mohamed Diame will be hoping to put in a more disciplined display against Sunderland than the one he turned in against Norwich. He committed 5 fouls, more than any other player from either side.
– Sunderland were largely successful in the efforts to frustrate Liverpool as they earned a deserved 1-1 draw. Another goal from Steven Fletcher continued his good form since arriving at the Stadium of Light and overall Martin O’Neill will have been pleased with his side’s shape and discipline.
– Steven Fletcher is enjoying a remarkable start to his career at the Stadium of Light. He’s had 3 shots on target since joining the Black Cats, all 3 of which have been goals.
– Fletcher could well do with some more support from his teammates in attack though. Only Jack Colback can equal his 3 shots on target for the team this season.
– Combative midfielder Lee Cattermole was covered the greatest amount of ground for Sunderland against Liverpool at the weekend, running for 5.97 miles.
– Defender Jack Colback continues to build on his impressive opening performances for Martin O’Neill’s side his season after the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index registered him as being his side’s fastest player against Liverpool, recording him at 20.98mph.
– John O’Shea has shown this season what a solid buy he had the potential to be when he arrived from Man Utd. He’s conceded only one foul and made 15 interceptions this campaign.
Wigan v Fulham
– Wigan were resoundingly beaten 4-0 by a clinical Manchester Utd last time out. Although there can be little doubt about who was the better side on the day, there was plenty for Roberto Martinez’s side to take away from the match as they initially stifled Utd in the opening phases and actually spurned several chances themselves with Ivan Ramis and Arouna Kone coming close in the first half
– Gary Caldwell is the highest ranked defender on the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index for fouls this season with 8.
– Only Manchester Utd’s Michael Carrick covered more ground than James McArthur last weekend who ran for a solid 6.24 miles for Roberto Martinez’s side.
– Despite conceding four goals against Man Utd, defensively speaking, Wigan have been relatively impressive at the back this season according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. They have two players in the top five for tackle’s won, with James McCarthy and Ivan Ramis recording 13 successful challenges each.
– Although he and his defensive colleagues were unable to stop the goals flying in against Man Utd, Maynor Figueroa still managed to be the paciest player on the pitch after he was clocked at 20.67mph.
– Ramis has been consistently achieving good things at the back for Wigan this season. His 87% tackle success rate from 15 challenges and 26 interceptions mark him out amongst the Wigan back four.
– Dimitar Berbatov’s home debut will be etched in the memory of many Fulham supporters as two fine goals from the Bulgarian front man ensured victory for Martin Jol’s side. Steve Sidwell wrapped up a comprehensive 3-0 win over West Brom with a late goal, with Alex Kacaniklic also impressing down the flank.
– Kacaniklic certainly put in the yards against West Brom after he ran for 5.7 miles, with only Steve Sidwell ahead of him in the distance stakes for Fulham.
– At 33 years of age, midfielder Damien Duff continues to be a key part of the Fulham midfield. He’s successfully completed 104 passes the opponent’s half this season, more than any other member of the Fulham squad.
– Martin Jol will have been pleased with the performance of Sascha Riether last weekend. The German’s 9 crosses was more than any other Premier League player in the last round.
– Mahamadou Diarra has become a central part of Fulham’s midfield following his arrival from Monaco. He’s received the ball 259 times this season, more than any other Fulham player.
Suraez is the only striker in the top ten for yellow cards.
Sunday September 23rd
Liverpool v Man Utd 13:30
– A second half equaliser from Luis Suarez granted Liverpool a point away to Sunderland, in a week full of emotion for their fans following the revelations surrounding the Hillsborough disaster earlier in the week. Raheem Sterling continued to impress as he provided the greatest threat for the Reds, with Steven Gerrard and Glen Johnson also having near misses in front of goal.
– Brendan Rogers hailed the influence of Luis Suarez following Liverpool’s draw with Sunderland. However the Uruguayan may be looking for even greater sharpness in his play given that he ranks first on the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index for shots off target this season with 12.
– Suarez would do well to control his temper in his defensive work in the coming weeks. He tops the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index for yellow cards with 3 and is the only striker in the top ten.
– Up and coming midfielder Jonjo Shelvey was the hardest working player from either side away to Sunderland last weekend, covering 6.16 miles.
– Joe Allen has continued his quick adaptation to life on Merseyside and has already become a central figure in Brendan Rogers’ midfield. He’s received the ball a total of 211 times in Liverpool’s opening matches, a club-leading figure.
– Allen is also third overall in the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index for distance covered with 25.22 miles, having covered more ground than any other Liverpool player in three of his four games for the club
– Alongside Allen in midfield, Steven Gerrard again proved what a pivotal figure he can be for Liverpool. According to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, he successfully completed 42 passes in the opponent’s half and 3 crosses against Sunderland.
– A midfield masterclass from the seemingly ageless Paul Scholes was the catalyst behind a thumping 4-0 win at home for Man Utd against Wigan. After weathering an early storm of defensive hounding by Wigan, second half goals from Scholes, Javier Hernandez and impressive debutants Alexander Buttner and Nick Powell ensured a convincing win for Utd.
– Even at 37, Paul Scholes continues to provide an incredibly effective return for the time he spends on the pitch. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index rates him passing game very highly, with only 2 minutes and 14 seconds between each of his successful passes in the opponent’s half so far this season.
– Debutant Alexander Buttner is clearly keen to show Man Utd boss Sir Alex Ferguson that he can do more than just deputise for Patrice Evra. He was Utd’s second fastest player against Wigan after being clocked at 19.84mph.
– Michael Carrick continues to quietly go about his work in the midfield for Man Utd this season making it easy to see why he’s played more minutes that any other Man Utd player this season with 390. He covered more ground than any other United player last weekend against Wigan, working hard for 6.39 miles.
– The ever-reliable Antonio Valencia has continued with his steadfast level of performance this season. He’s made 55 successful passes in the attacking third, more than any other Man Utd player.
Newcastle v Norwich 15:00
– A dramatic late goal from Demba Ba saved a point for Newcastle against an unfortunate Everton on Monday evening. Ba’s earlier goal, supplied by Yohan Cabaye, gave Alan Pardew’s side a needed point in a thrilling encounter.
– French midfielder Cabaye epitomised Newcastle’s refusal to give up on victory against Everton. He ran for 6.35 miles, second only to Everton’s Leon Osman.
– Davide Santon again proved his value to Alan Pardew down the flank as he was once again Newcastle’s fastest player against Everton. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index clocked him at 21.15mph.
– Nullifying the delivery of Hatem Ben Arfa will be crucial to Norwich’s chances of success this weekend. The talented Frenchman has whipped in 11 crosses so far this season.
– Papiss Cisse is renowned for his prowess in front of goal. However the Senegalese striker might need to tighten up on his defensive capabilities to avoid costing his side in the future. He’s committed more fouls than any other Newcastle player this season with 7.
– Despite only playing for 198 minutes so far this season, Fabricio Coloccini has still managed to be successful with 12 tackles, a solid return for his limited 198 minutes of playing time so far this season.
– Norwich remained winless so far this season following their 0-0 stalemate at home to West Ham. John Ruddy impressed between the sticks as he repeatedly kept the Canaries in the game, with young loanee Harry Kane and Robert Snodgrass also turning in decent shifts.
– Midfielder Robert Snodgrass was yet again the hardest working player at Chris Hughton’s disposal against West Ham. The Scot racked up 6.86 miles of ground covered against the Hammers.
– Snodgrass also complemented this stamina with speed against West Ham where he was also Norwich’s fastest player, having been recorded by the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index running at 23.05mph, which was the 7th fastest speed recorded so far this season
– Bradley Johnson has turned in some solid performances so far this season but he will likely be looking to stay away from the attention of the officials against Newcastle. He’s already amassed 12 fouls this campaign.
The injured Nasri will be a big miss for City this weekend.
Man City v Arsenal 16:00
– Man City were frustrated by a dogged Stoke at the Brittania as a 1-1 draw proved all they could muster. Debutant Javi Garcia’s assured header was the only time City managed to breach a resolute Stoke defence, as they lacked some of their usual flair and potency with Yaya Toure and Carlos Tevez both spurning chances.
– Tevez continues to be highly accurate with his play in front of goal. The Argentinean’s work places him at the top of the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index for total on-target attempts on goal with 13.
– He’s also continued to prove there’s more to his game than just grabbing goals for himself. Tevez is the only striker in the top five for assists provided this season with 3.
– Ivory Coast midfielder Yaya Toure continues to cement his place as the most dominant force in the Premier League as he further stretched his lead for most passes with 214 this season according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.
– Santi Carzola has drawn plenty of praise this season and the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index backs it up. The Spanish midfielder is second only to the aforementioned Toure, who he will line up against this weekend, for passes completed with 188.
– Indeed, it will be a battle for dominance in the centre of the park this weekend between Man City and Arsenal. They have two players each in the top four of the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index for passes completed.
– Samir Nasri is clearly keen to prove his worth to Roberto Mancini following his extended run in team. Not only has he successfully completed more passes in the attacking third than any other Premier League player with 63, he also covered more ground than any other City player against Stoke at 5.85 miles.
– Arsenal produced some more of the breathtaking attacking football they have become known for over the years as they gave Southampton a top-flight wake up call, demolishing the Saints 6-1. Two goals from Gervinho, along with a brilliant free-kick from Lukas Podolski contributed to another impressive performance by the Gunners.
– Winger Gervinho seems to have rediscovered his confidence in recent weeks for Arsenal. He’s been taking it to opposing defences with 8 dribbles according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, tying him for the top spot with his midfield colleague Carzola.
– Arsenal left-back Kieran Gibbs is evidently intent on changing people’s perception of the Gunners’ much criticised defence. He’s put in some tremendous defensive work so far this season, being the highest ranked defender in the league with a tackle success rate at 88%.
– Although undoubtedly slick in possession, Mikel Arteta has been somewhat erratic without the ball this season for Arsenal. According to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index he’s only been successful with 52% of his 21 tackles.
– Arteta’s work ethic was a characteristic of last season, and he has started this season in the same way covering the fifth highest total distance in the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index with 24.77 miles
Tottenham v QPR 16:00
– Tottenham’s season looks finally to be up and running after they beat Reading 3-1 away from home. Two goals from a sharp-looking Jermain Defoe, aided by impressive performances by Mousa Dembele and Sandro in the midfield engine room, ensured a dominant win for the previously under-fire Andre Villas-Boas.
– Jermain Defoe has been lauded from all corners after his sharp performance against Reading last weekend. However the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index highlights even more room for improvement for the Spurs striker. He’s only been on target with 54% of his 24 shots on goal this season.
– Defoe can’t be faulted for his confidence to have a go in front of goal though. Those 24 shots place him first in the Premier League so far this season for total attempts on goal.
– Pace-man Gareth Bale will be looking for more end product from his delivery this weekend against QPR. Although he’s contributed 14 crosses so far this season he’s yet to register an assist.
– Mousa Dembele was highly sought after for before joining Tottenham and he showed us a little of why against Reading. The midfield powerhouse covered more ground than any other Spurs player as he ran for 6.57 miles.
– Winger Aaron Lennon has been Tottenham’s most effective player in the final third this season, completely 42 passes there.
– An improved second half performance allowed QPR to earn a point against Chelsea, in a fixture where the Anton Ferdinand – John Terry saga continued to grab the headlines. Debutant keeper Julio Cesar turned in a solid performance, with Ferdinand himself also an impressive figure at the back for the R’s.
– Alejandro Faurlin worked the hardest to ensure that Chelsea left Loftus Road without all 3 points last time out. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index ranks him as running for 6.6 miles, the most of any QPR player.
– Ji-Sung Park is quickly establishing himself as the fulcrum within the QPR midfield. He’s recorded more passes than any other player in the squad with 102.
– Anton Ferdinand leads the way for this season QPR in terms of interceptions. His 10 interventions is the highest of any QPR player according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.
– Winger Shaun Wright-Phillips managed to really use some of his trademark speed against Chelsea. He was the R’s fastest player on the day after being clocked at 23.36mph, the second fastest time recorded in the Premier League this season
– Another acquisition by way of Old Trafford, Fabio Da Silva, has been relatively solid in defence yet somewhat inconsistent with his discipline. He’s been successful with 66% of his 15 tackles this season but has also conceded 7 fouls according to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index.
