xGenius

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What to expect

Bloomsbury presents… xGenius: Expected Goals and the Science of Winning Football Matches by James Tippett read by Simon Darwen

'Eye-opening. An essential read for any football fan' – Jamie Carragher

A new, expanded and super-charged guide to Expected Goals (xG) analysis from the bestselling author of The Expected Goals Philosophy.

The concept of Expected Goals – or xG – has changed how we understand football. Every fan will have heard of xG, many will understand what it is, but few will know exactly how it’s being used by football teams to improve their chances of winning matches.

xGenius explores the interplay between analysis, tactics, and decision-making. It seeks to put the sport of football under the microscope with the aim of getting closer to the ultimate truth of what makes players, managers and teams successful. What, ultimately, wins football matches.

Packed with examples from the Premier League and beyond, xGenius shows how xG and other performance analysis tools are helping answer previously unanswerable questions. Were Brighton the unluckiest team in recent history? What is ‘The Timo Werner Paradox’? How many titles did Liverpool deserve to win under Jürgen Klopp? Is Son Heung-Min the greatest finisher in the modern era?

xGenius demonstrates how clubs and coaches are using data as a major tool to improve performances on the pitch. It reveals how xG helped Brighton and Brentford transform themselves into established Premier League clubs, and how such analysis was integral to Liverpool and Arsenal’s renaissance in recent years.

As teams have realised the importance of amassing high xG numbers, the average shot distances in Europe’s major leagues have plummeted, dead ball situations have become ever more important, and players who are able to accumulate large xG volumes have become increasingly valuable. Clubs have developed new systems, formations and strategies as they strive for ‘big chance creation’.

xGenius shows how top-level football analysis is being carried out by the very best in the business. The insights explored in this book will change the way you watch football.

Critics Review

Eye-opening. An essential read for any football fan.
Jamie Carragher
I get it now! A concise and witty explanation of xG ... a brilliant read.
Kevin Day, author of 'Who are Ya?' and The Price of Football podcaster
A fascinating, entertaining delve into the science behind the magic ... accessibly insightful to those of us who lean more towards romanticism.
Daniel Gray, author of 'Saturday 3pm'
An interesting insight into how analytics is currently being used by clubs...
Stefan Szymanski, author of 'Soccernomics'
Fascinating and convincing explanation and analysis of this complex subject. This book will revolutionise how fans understand the game.
Dr Kevin Moore, National Football Museum Director
This xG way of thinking has changed the way fans view football. Forever.
David Sumpter, author of 'Soccermatics'
xGenius opened my eyes to a different way of thinking ... This book will play a vital role bringing xG closer to the mainstream.
David Jones, Sky Sports presenter
All I talk about is xG nowadays, mainly thanks to this book. As someone who is big into analytics in my own sport, it’s been fascinating to learn about how data impacts football. The insights in the book and learnings about xG are incredibly interesting, and it’s something I really would love my own club Sheffield United to take on board more than they have in the past!
Matt Fitzpatrick, English professional golfer

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