Protecting the lead is vital in Premier League games, with the whole team needing to work as a unit. Which side has the best record upon scoring first?
5. Everton
Games played with opening goal scored: 12
Record with lead taken: W10, D1, L1
Points per game upon scoring opener: 2.58
Everton are an impressively solid team this term, despite speculation at the beginning of the season that Roberto Martinez would make the Toffees exciting going forward but leak goals at the back due to the porous nature of his Wigan Athletic side.
In the twelve games in which they have scored first, Everton have only lost the lead once, and Martinez has confounded critics of his appointment.
4. Chelsea
Games played with opening goal scored: 17
Record with lead taken: W14, D2, L1
Points per game upon scoring opener: 2.59
Chelsea are certainly a formidable outfit under Jose Mourinho, with the Portuguese boss elevating them into title challengers once again after they finished third by some distance last term.
The Blues have only once lost the lead upon scoring the opener in a Premier League match this term, acquiring 44 points in the process.
3. Tottenham Hotspur
Games played with opening goal scored: 15
Record with lead taken: W12, D3, L0
Points per game upon scoring opener: 2.60
Despite Tottenham Hotspur’s turbulent season being dismissed as a write-off by pundits, the north London outfit sit fifth in the Premier League table, still very much in with a chance of claiming the final UEFA Champions League spot – their target at the beginning of the campaign.
Impressively, Spurs are undefeated this season upon scoring the opening goal, with their early season kept afloat by 1-0 victories through Roberto Soldado penalties.
Andre Villas-Boas’ Tottenham side were rather uninspiring in attack this term, even if they were strong in defence, and this may well explain their goal difference of just +3.
Tim Sherwood has worked hard to improve their threat going forward, and that may help explain the move into positive figures.
2. Manchester United
Games played with opening goal scored: 12
Record with lead taken: W10, D2, L0
Points per game upon scoring opener: 2.66
Manchester United’s season under David Moyes has been characterised by a lack of confidence, and it is notable that of the 13 occasions in the Premier League on which the opposition have scored first, the Red Devils have lost eight times.
When Moyes’ men do score the opener though, they boast a near perfect record.
Man Utd have won ten and drawn two of the twelve games they have scored first in, and perhaps Moyes ought to focus on spurring his team up to get lightning quick starts out of the blocks.
That may help with the confidence issues currently at Old Trafford.
1. Arsenal
Games played with opening goal scored: 19
Record with lead taken: W17, D1, L1
Points per game upon scoring opener: 2.73
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has sacrificed his side’s usual all out attacking and free-flowing game to teach the Gunners to shut up shop when necessary.
The north London side still play impressive and exciting football, but there is more intelligent match management within a game, with Wenger’s frequent introductions of full backs Nacho Monreal and Carl Jenkinson to help see out a game crucial.
No player has scored more opening goals than Olivier Giroud this season, and the players behind work extremely hard to ensure his strikes secure the maximum number of points.
Arsenal have been so good at defending a lead this term, with every member of the team perfectly aware of their duties, that Wenger’s increased pragmaticism has Gooners increasingly hopeful he will extend his stay at Emirates Stadium.