Stats tend to mean that someone is less biased surely because they are basing their opinions on fact?
I thought Cornell did ok last season to be honest. However the stats disagree with me. Im sure you have heard of XG (expected goals scored) well there is a similar stat for goals conceded (XGC). XGC is based on shots on target only, so it is a good measurement of shot stopping.
Of the 24 keepers who conceded the most goals in league 2 last season Cornell had the 4th worst goals conceded compared to his XGC. 62 goals went in, his XGC figure was 55.55, so he was -6.45 goals. Only Murphy (Bury), Fitzsimons (Notts County) and Forde (Cambridge) had worse figures.
I like Cornell and dont understand the over the top dislike of him from some, however if we were to receive a fee for him I would say that is good business and lets move on.
Exactly. I would also argue that conversely it's a better guide to the performance of a teams defence than goals conceded.
The teams with the best record for shots on target against last season were:
Colchester 154
Mansfield 165
Exeter 167
Bury 172
Tranmere 175
Port Vale 178
Cobblers 179Lincoln 186
Newport 187
Stevenage 188
FGR 190
MK 194
I thought Taylor and Buchanan in particular were poor last year and I'm glad they have now left, but the stats show that the goal was protected a little better by the defence than many might think.