Football analysts view countless reels of footage every week in order to discern the strengths and weaknesses of the team they’re covering, with many column inches given over as a result to the many ways which a team’s season can turn around based on a simple goal, red card or even substitution.
By altering the variables surrounding the Premier League’s goals and goalscorers it is possible to come up with an entirely different way of looking at the table. What if you could only score goals with your left foot? What if results only counted when the second half got underway? The impact these things have could affect the entire outcome of the Premier League table – who wins it, who goes down, and who vies for European qualification.
While the more obvious league variables such as removing key players from sides would have a fairly predictable outcome – though less so for the teams who conceded to them – changing a key aspect of the game removes any of the usual predictability.
What if goals scored only by headers counted in the current Premier League table? The results will surprise you!
Far from their mid-table spot and average run of recent form, Swansea City would instead be two points clear at the top of the Premier League!
In fourth place and very much on for a Champions League spot ahead of Southampton – West Bromwich Albion! Notable scalps in this Adjusted league by the Baggies and Swans include Man City, Arsenal and Chelsea.
As well as instant dividends for the more header-focused sides it’s also clear who needs work on defending against them; with big drops down the table for Everton and Newcastle United. The Toffees and the Toon would have dropped more than thirty points between them had they not been a little more alert to the threat of the headed goals.
As the Premier League gears up for the second half of what’s set to be a close-run season, League Of Your Own provides food for thought for fans of any Premier League side – and the pundits who follow the action too.
This piece has been written by Graham Wash.
