What is Expected Goals (xG) in football?

Expected Goals (xG) measures the quality of a chance by calculating the likelihood it will be scored, using historical shot data.

What is the difference between a shot on target and shot off target?

A shot on target would enter the goal if not saved or blocked. A shot off target misses the goal entirely.

What types of football stats are covered in this guide?

This guide covers official Opta metrics across goals, passing, defending, set pieces, duels, fouls and more.

What's the difference between assists and expected assists?

Assists are final passes that lead directly to goals. Expected assists (xA) estimates the probability that a completed pass becomes an assist.

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Football Stats Explained

Your complete guide to understanding football statistics. Learn Expected Goals (xG), passing metrics, defensive stats and more with official Opta definitions.

Official Opta Definitions

60+ Football Stats

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Frequently Asked Questions

All football statistics definitions are sourced from official Opta documentation. For the complete technical specifications, visit Opta Football Stats Definitions and Stats Perform Opta Event Definitions.

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Football Stats Explained

Your complete guide to understanding football statistics. Learn Expected Goals (xG), passing metrics, defensive stats and more with official Opta definitions.

Official Opta Definitions

60+ Football Stats

Beginner to Advanced

🎯Quick Navigation

Search Football Stats

Frequently Asked Questions

All football statistics definitions are sourced from official Opta documentation. For the complete technical specifications, visit Opta Football Stats Definitions and Stats Perform Opta Event Definitions.

Ready to Apply Your Football Stats Knowledge?

Now that you understand football statistics, explore real player and team data across 100+ leagues worldwide using these same metrics.

📊Explore Player Stats 🏆View Team Stats ⚽Live Football Data

Football Stats Explained

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GoalBasicGoals & Shots

Goal

Shot On TargetBasicGoals & Shots

Shot On Target

Shot Off TargetBasicGoals & Shots

Shot Off Target

Blocked ShotIntermediateGoals & Shots

Blocked Shot

Shot ConversionIntermediateGoals & Shots

Shot Conversion

Shooting AccuracyIntermediateGoals & Shots

Shooting Accuracy

Big ChancesIntermediateGoals & Shots

Big Chances

Expected Goals (xG)AdvancedGoals & Shots

Expected Goals (xG)

Goal/Shot LocationIntermediateGoals & Shots

Goal/Shot Location

Pattern of PlayIntermediateGoals & Shots

Pattern of Play

Goal AssistBasicPassing & Assists

Goal Assist

Fantasy AssistAdvancedPassing & Assists

Fantasy Assist

PassBasicPassing & Assists

Pass

Pass CompletionBasicPassing & Assists

Pass Completion

CrossIntermediatePassing & Assists

Cross

Expected Assists (xA)AdvancedPassing & Assists

Expected Assists (xA)

PossessionsIntermediateSequences & Possession

Possessions

Direct AttacksAdvancedSequences & Possession

Direct Attacks

TouchesBasicBall Control & Movement

Touches

Touch/Unsuccessful TouchBasicBall Control & Movement

Touch/Unsuccessful Touch

Dribble/Take-onIntermediateBall Control & Movement

Dribble/Take-on

CarryIntermediateBall Control & Movement

Carry

Progressive CarriesAdvancedBall Control & Movement

Progressive Carries

TackleBasicDefending

Tackle

Missed TackleIntermediateDefending

Missed Tackle

InterceptionIntermediateDefending

Interception

BlockIntermediateDefending

Block

PPDAAdvancedDefending

PPDA

Tackle – Unsuccessful Take-on/DispossessedIntermediateDuels & Physical

Tackle – Unsuccessful Take-on/Dispossessed

Successful Take-on – Challenge LostIntermediateDuels & Physical

Successful Take-on – Challenge Lost

Foul WonBasicFouls & Discipline

Foul Won

Foul ConcededBasicFouls & Discipline

Foul Conceded

Foul Won/ConcededIntermediateFouls & Discipline

Foul Won/Conceded

Penalty – Won/Conceded/TakenIntermediateFouls & Discipline

Penalty – Won/Conceded/Taken

CardsBasicFouls & Discipline

Cards

Corner – Won/Lost/TakenBasicSet Pieces

Corner – Won/Lost/Taken

OffsideBasicSet Pieces

Offside

Hit WoodworkIntermediateMiscellaneous

Hit Woodwork

Error Leading to Goal/ShotIntermediateMiscellaneous

Error Leading to Goal/Shot