xGenius: Expected Goals and the Science of Winning Football Matches

by James Tippett

Overview

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

xGenius takes a tour of the world's most pioneering football clubs, uncovering how elite teams are using xG to win more matches. Any club not adopting this model will be left behind.

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 matches.

The book looks at the model which every club should adopt, one which has allowed teams like Liverpool, Arsenal, Brighton and Brentford to punch well above their financial weight. Would you rather sign a striker who's scored 10 goals from 20.00(xG), or 20 goals from 10.00(xG)? How was xG utilised to sign the most fearsome attacking front three in Premier League history?

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781399411554
Publisher:	Bloomsbury USA
Publication date:	10/08/2024
Pages:	272
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 9.10(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

James Tippett is a Sports Partnerships Manager at Oddschecker and WhoScored and previously worked as a football analyst at Smartodds, a betting consultancy founded and run by Brentford FC owner Matthew Benham. He is the author of The Expected Goals Philosophy. @xGPhilosophy / @JamesTippett

Table of Contents

Foreword by Jamie Carragher

Introduction

1. The Model Football Club

2. The Field of Play

3. The Television Studio

4. The Data Consultancy

5. The Boardroom

6. The Manager's Office

7. The Recruitment Department

8. The Tactics Board

9. The Position of Maximum Opportunity

10. The Corner Flag

11. The Back of the Net

12. The Advanced Analytics Toolkit

13. The Dressing Room

14. The Pace of Change

Glossary

Bibliography

Image credits

Acknowledgements

Index

Editorial Reviews

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

From the Publisher