As we continue the build-up to the forthcoming Premier League campaign, with help from Opta, Sky Sports picks out some key stats for Newcastle fans to consider ahead of the new season.
Wednesday 24 July 2013 09:45, UK
Sky Sports picks out some key stats for Newcastle fans to consider ahead of the new season.
It was back down to earth with a bang for Newcastle last season after reaching the dizzy heights of fifth the year before. Alan Pardew's side went from narrowly missing out on a UEFA Champions League place to scarcely avoiding relegation as the effects of injuries and underperforming players took their toll. The reality is that Newcastle have a squad that is good enough to avoid relegation but ultimately requires significant improvement to regularly finish in the top six or seven. Alan Pardew will be looking for progress this season and a top half finish would be welcome after 2012-13's flirtation with relegation. One player the Toon Army will be glad to welcome back to full fitness is Hatem Ben Arfa after the Frenchman missed much of last season through injury. The attacking midfielder started just 16 games all season but still managed to complete the fourth most dribbles in the league. His close speed, close control and creativity were sorely missed by Newcastle last term and to have him back for the whole season running at defences will be a major boost. As pundits often tell us, there is nothing defenders hate more.Dribbles - PL 2012/13 | ||
Player | Appearances | Dribbles |
Luis Suarez | 33 | 96 |
Santi Cazorla | 38 | 86 |
Adel Taarabt | 31 | 83 |
Hatem Ben Arfa | 19 | 79 |
Newcastle chances - PL 2012/13 | |
Player | Chances created |
Yohan Cabaye | 53 |
Vurnon Anita | 34 |
Sylvain Marveaux | 34 |
Papiss Cisse | 32 |
Long balls - PL 2012/13 | |
Team | Long balls per game |
Newcastle | 69 |
Fulham | 66 |
Everton | 64 |
Norwich | 64 |
Stoke | 63 |