Okay, I know, xG is more polarising than Marmite and Brexit put together, but it is a fun observation from which we can glean some interest.
While many disregard xG fully, I find some of the longer-term patterns interesting. From a Michael Skubala point of view, the xG of the squad is really interesting, showing a distinct progression over his time at the club.
Given that you lot seem to love lists, I thought I’d put together a list of the top ten performances of the Michael Skubala era by xG, and count them down. It’s a nice way to remember some big results for City as well.
Let’s go all the way back to the start of his reign and an early sign of things to come to get kicked off.
28/11/2023, Cambridge United 0-3 Lincoln City, 2.51
Ironically, Jack Vale scored in this one. It was also an early indication of Michael’s promise for front-footed football, something we have seen develop over time.
The contest ultimately turned on two penalty decisions in the first half. Cambridge believed they had one when Jensen collided with Ahadme, only for the referee to book the striker instead. Minutes later, after a prolonged spell of patient Imps possession, Dylan Duffy was brought down and the spot kick was awarded. Danny Mandroiu made no mistake, hammering his effort high to the keeper’s left for 1-0. In fairness, that is 0.74 of the xG, but still it’s a good haul.
The second goal came from a corner, Hamilton’s blocked effort keeping the pressure alive before Duffy, stationed on the edge of the area, struck through bodies and saw the keeper spill the ball into his own net.
The second period was controlled rather than chaotic. Makama went close after shrugging off his markers, while Cambridge’s brief rally forced two solid saves from Jensen, one at the back post and another from a deflected drive. Any lingering doubt disappeared with 15 minutes left when another corner caused havoc, O’Connor flicking on and Jack Vale stabbing home from close range.
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