International comparison of point and goal deviations
In this category, international comparisons are to be made in terms of point and goal deviations on average. Originally, it was said that the German leagues (the LigEN) are more exciting than others because they are less predictable. This could be reflected in the changes in tendency (another category also to be found here), but also in the point and goal deviations. If these are very high, then there have been many surprises, on the one hand in the sense of “who wins?” on the other hand in the sense of high, sensational results, regardless of who wins. This provides entertainment, of which there is too little, according to the generally held view here. Football has become a pure fan sport in which one supports one’s team unconditionally, but is no longer interested in the course of the game or beautiful actions, exciting moments.
1) International point deviations
- Internationale Punktabweichungen
| Position | Country League 1 | ø Point Deviation | Change from previous week | Number of games |
| 1 | Deutschland, 2.BL | 5.87 | -0.46 | 265 |
| 2 | England 1 | 5.19 | -0.02 | 325 |
| 3 | Frankreich 1 | 4.75 | -0.30 | 309 |
| 4 | Deutschland, 1.BL | 4.01 | 0.36 | 261 |
| 5 | Italien 1 | 3.94 | -0.22 | 310 |
| 6 | Spanien 1 | 3.74 | -0.11 | 313 |
Overall, the 2nd division had the most surprises internationally. The 1st division in the lower midfield, but it’s true that apart from Gladbach – who have even slackened recently, giving up top spot to Schalke – no particularly divergent team comes to mind. In any case, there were a lot more in the pre-season.
What is still striking is that in the last few weeks – the statistics were dropped for a fortnight – all leagues have developed negatively. This means that teams that had too many points tended to lose – like Gladbach – and conversely, teams that did too badly scored. This phenomenon is particularly evident in the relegation battle, as teams are fighting for survival and can thus release some forces compared to other teams that are perhaps satisfied with what they have achieved.
2) International goal difference
Place ø
| Position | Country League 1 | ø Goal difference | Change from previous week | Number of games |
| 1 | Deutschland, 2.BL | 9.45 | -0.52 | 261 |
| 2 | Deutschland, 1.BL | 8.12 | 0.37 | 261 |
| 3 | England 1 | 7.08 | 0.27 | 325 |
| 4 | Italien 1 | 5.55 | -0.53 | 310 |
| 5 | Spanien 1 | 4.92 | 1.04 | 313 |
| 6 | Frankreich 1 | 4.27 | -0.15 | 309 |
There were both positive developments and negative ones here, so general considerations are pretty much moot. However, it is noticeable that the two German leagues remain in the lead, even by some margin, so that the thesis that it is more exciting in these leagues than elsewhere receives some food for thought.
