Morning Leeds-in for 4 January: Leeds top the table & also have the most shots in the league

Leeds and Norwich City are one-two in the table, and are also the top two teams in terms of shot attempts on target. Perhaps the two are linked?

Leeds, despite being the team with the second-most shots on target, are only the 4th highest scoring team. Norwich are 2nd in the league in goals scored, with 48, with only West Brom having scored more, who are 4th in the league. Leeds have also made the 2nd most shots off target, meaning that Leeds have taken more shots than anyone else in the league.

Now, while it is usual conventional wisdom that a solid defence wins in the Championship, it appears that scoring goals and being a team that shoots a lot also can get a team into the top of the division. While possession metrics don’t mean a lot for football, possession that leads to shots and goals might actually be a more interesting statistic.

On to the links.

Leeds United Links

Rival business should determine Leeds’ transfer plans, Part 2. [Through It All Together]

Rival business should determine Leeds’ transfer plans, Part 3. [Through It All Together]

England and English Football Links

Manchester City beat Liverpool 2-1. You might have heard about it. [Bitter & Blue]

Everton are reportedly interested loaning James McCarthy to West Bromwich Albion. [Royal Blue Mersey]

World Football Links

Five predictions for this season in Mexico’s Liga MX. [ESPN.com]

A plan for AC Milan during the winter transfer window. [AC Milan Offside]

Milan should sign PSV Eindhoven & Mexico winger Hiring Lozano. [AC Milan Offside]

Juventus is reportedly “close” to a deal with Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsey. [Black & White & Read All Over]

Villarreal drew 2-2 with Real Madrid. [Villarreal USA]