The 2023/24 Premier League table based on xG | OneFootball

No longer are phrases such as "yeah, but we had more possession", or "we had more shots on-target" used in fierce childish debates over a particular result, whether it be on the school playground, in the pub, or on the social media app of your choosing.

Use 'possession' or mere 'shots' in a debate and you'll be laughed at in 2023. The world's moved on. The rage now is field tilt, zones of control, and, of course, the fated expected goals.

This statistical phenomenon has entered mainstream consciousness for some time now, yet some still can't grasp its importance. Your dad's probably called it a "load of tosh" or words of a similar kind, but he probably bemoans the use of 'inverted' before 'full-back and tells you how much better things were in his day.

While 'xG' is relentlessly shoved down our throats, it's nonetheless important in gauging the sustainability of a team's performance. Will the success last, or have they been overachieving in front of goal, depicting a potential demise further down the line?

xG raises such questions while simultaneously attempting to predict an answer.

Here's how the 2023/24 Premier League expected goals table looks.

The 2023/24 Premier League xG table

All xG stats are provided by Understat - data correct as of 19 September 2023.

Brighton have been the Premier League's xG darlings since Graham Potter succeeded Chris Hughton, but Roberto De Zerbi has taken the Seagulls to another level.

They've accumulated the second-highest xG in the division through five games (12.16) and are finally over-performing in front of goal. They've actually scored 15 times. Man City have tallied the highest xG figure (13.63) and they too have over-performed thus far.

Chelsea (-5.64), Man Utd (-3.13), and Everton (-6.23) are notable under-performers so far which would suggest that each of these teams, who have endured poor starts to the new season, will improve as the campaign progresses. Chelsea were once again wasteful at the weekend as they were held to a stalemate by Bournemouth.

Not too many teams have wildly over-performed in front of goal, although the xG data suggests fortune and fantastic finishing have played roles in Tottenham's quick start under Ange Postecoglou. Only Brighton (+2.84) have been more efficient in front of goal than Spurs (+2.19) through five games Nevertheless, their xGD (expected goal difference) is still positive at 3.52 - the sixth-highest in the division - which suggests they're good value for their impressive start.

City dominate the Premier League in terms of xGD with there's totalling 9.94. Arsenal (4.86), Chelsea, (4.69), and Liverpool (4.38) also impress in this regard. These teams are creating high-quality chances at a much greater rate than they're giving them up.

However, there's reason to be concerned about Fulham and Sheffield United. Their respective xGDs at this early stage are -6.7 and -8.39. These two teams are surrendering high-quality chances more frequently than they're creating them. Burnley (-4.92), Luton (-4.93), Bournemouth (-4.65), and Wolves (-4.69) are also struggling.