International comparison of point and goal deviations
In this category, international comparisons are to be made with regard to point and goal deviations on average. Originally, there was talk 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
Place Country League 1 ø Point Deviation Change from previous week Number of games
1 Germany, 2.BL 6.31 -0.02 297
2 France 1 5.76 0.18 339
3 England 1 4.94 -0.14 356
4 Germany, 1.BL 4.78 0.25 297
5 Italy 1 4.71 0.34 349
6 Spain 1 3.59 0.11 350
It is not particularly illustrative, nor does it provide a direct statement, especially that the German league (mind you, the 1st, which still receives some attention abroad) is a poorly predictable league and therefore provides more excitement for the viewer than elsewhere. This season, at least, does not prove this statement statistically, yet spectators are unlikely to complain about boredom. There was already enough going on in the league. After all, this was just an attempt to prove an intuitive statement with figures. In the previous season this was done with great success, let’s see how the coming season develops…
In any case, Spain is not the most exciting of all leagues. Real and Barca are way ahead and no one can even dream of staying in their haze for more than five matchdays. That’s probably how it will be next season, too. However, the quality of football there is very high, so the fans will surely put up with two teams dominating the league. After all, it’s still better than if only one did it. Thus, although the league has already been decided with the El Classico three matchdays before the end thanks to Real’s victory at the Camp Nou, in my opinion it has also “only” been decided three matchdays before the end.
2) International goal difference
Rank Country League 1 ø Goal difference Change from previous week Number of matches
1 Germany, 2.BL 10.16 -0.20 297
2 Germany, 1.BL 9.55 0.70 297
3 England 1 6.91 -0.59 356
4 Italy 1 6.69 0.34 349
5 France 1 5.61 -0.13 339
6 Spain 1 5.25 -0.14 350
Here, the German leagues remain quite clearly ahead, which at least provides evidence in this respect: Results management is by no means as important here as elsewhere, which certainly pleases the fan. However, to infer tactical deficiencies from this would be somewhat misguided, because after all, the German league has also kept up very well internationally this season, as Bayern’s appearance in the final proves. Schalke and Hannover, as well as Leverkusen, were in it for quite a long time, only Dortmund was out in the preliminary round, and also out of the European League, due to 4th place in the group, but here too the claim stands: the performances were far better than the results. But in Germany they don’t differentiate…
