Lies, Damned Lies, and Statistics

I’ve been wanting to write this article for a while now. Seeing multiple screenshots of Squawka comparisons posted on Twitter with the wrong stats being used has made my blood boil, and a hatred for Squawka. But, in all fairness, it isn’t Squawka’s fault. People are using the numbers, which I commend Squawka for offering to the general public, in the wrong manner. It’s very easy to sway the statistics used to give the desired output, as I have shown below:

Here, I made Harry Kane look as good a goalkeeper as Courtois and Neuer after his spell in goal in Tottenham’s Europa League tie a few weeks back. Anybody who saw that game, and the goal he conceded, will know that he isn’t as good as the best two goalkeepers in the world, but I’ve managed to find statistics to back up my point. And here’s what the aim of the article is to display; to show that the interpretation of statistics is incorrect and needs to be changed.

The ‘Keeper Conundrum

We’ve been here before, haven’t we? A young goalkeeping prospect comes into our squad and takes the number 1 spot from a cemented fan favourite. Poor old Carlo Cudicini, arguably the best keeper in the league at the time, then had his place taken by some Czech bloke.

A decade later, things have gone full circle. That “Czech bloke” has become undoubtedly the best keeper in the club’s history, and a hero on many an occasion, most notably in Munich. But Thibaut Courtois had proven his worth over in the Colchonero half of Madrid, and deserved his chance in that first game against Burnley.

Thibaut Courtois in action for Chelsea this season, away at Selhurst Park

The Best Deadline Day Ever

Whilst Twitter was rife with “Jim White Day” jokes (subsequently stolen by The LAD Bible), football fans were having hearts in mouths. Well, most anyway. But not Chelsea fans.

Luckily for us Blues, Messrs Mourinho and Emenalo had got their work done efficiently and early, as displayed by our early form. They knew what was needed; replacements for Lampard and Cole, and a top class striker. What did they get? Just that.

Fabregas announces transfer to Chelsea whilst at the World Cup with Spain