Meaningless Stats from Saturday's Clash

Flasher · October 31, 2007

With some meaningless observations.

Average age of the starting 11: Liverpool = 27.2, Arsenal = 25.0

Average age of defence: Liverpool = 30.25, Arsenal = 25.5

Average age of midfield: Liverpool = 25.0 (3 players), Arsenal = 24.0 (5 players)

Average age of forwards: Liverpool = 27.3 (3 players), Arsenal = 23.0 (1 player)

Excluding goalkeepers (as they go on for ever) Liverpool had 7 players aged 26 or over, compared to Arsenal's 3.

Meaningless conclusion? In five years time Liverpool will look completely different compared to Arsenal, with potentially 7 players from that team no longer playing, based on them being 31 or over at that time. In truth , the youngest of that bunch will be 32 years old, including Gerrard, Riise and Kuyt.

Apply the same meaningless rule to Arsenal and they will lose 3. Gallas, Rosicky & Hleb, although Hleb will only be 31. As such, assuming Arsenal do not sell anyone, that side will obviously be here a while yet.

Second meaningless conclusion. Our own side will soon be relying on the likes of Babel, Lucas, Insua, Leto breaking into and staying in the team. Should we therefore play those 4 players more regularly now?

Disclaimer: I did the above purely out of interest. No hidden agenda implied. I don't care how young the Arsenal team is or how good they play. Trophies are what count.

RP · October 31, 2007

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