Veteran Ian Harte was preferred by Brian McDermott for the start of the Premier League season, but after three games he was dropped for the returning Nicky Shorey. Vital Reading analyses their three games in a Royals shirt, how they compare and whether McDermott made the right choice.
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– In terms of their passes, Harte has completed the most out of the pair with a completion rate of 66% but Shorey is not far behind with 64%. However, the former England international has attempted 32 more passes than the Irishman in the three games.
– Nicky has created the highest number of chances for his team mates, by making 5 opportunities. However, Harte is very much lacking in the supply department, creating zero chances for his fellow teammates to feed off.
– Many wanted Harte dropped from the side due to his lack of quality from crosses, which the stats prove was justified. Out of the 25 crosses he attempted, only 4 of them we’re met by a Royals player. Although, Shorey himself only has a cross succession rate of 35%.
– In the terms of tackles, Shorey once again comes out on top with some outstanding statistics. Having gone in for 5 challenges, the former Leyton Orient man has won every single one of them. Harte was not far off with a 75% tackle success rate.
– Harte was often praised for his good aerial ability, despite standing at around 5’10. However, despite being a few inches smaller, Shorey once again outnumbers his predecessor. Harte has only won a third of his aerial duels, while Nicky won 4 of his 6 challenged.
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On this evidence, it is clear that McDermott’s decision to drop Harte was justified considering Harte’s poor delivery. On Shorey’s current form, it may take a while for the former Leeds defender to get back into the side.
These stats we’re brought to you courtesy of the iPhone application ‘Four Four Two: Stats Zone’. More information on the app and how to buy it, click here.
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