Numbers Game by Chris Anderson and David Sally

Description

“Numbers Game: Why Everything You Know About Football is Wrong” is a book written by Chris Anderson and David Sally. Published in 2013, the book takes a data-driven and analytical approach to challenge common misconceptions and traditional wisdom in the world of football (soccer).

Chris Anderson is an economist and David Sally is a behavioral economist, and together they use their expertise to explore various aspects of football through the lens of statistics and data analysis. The book examines a wide range of topics, including player performance, team strategies, coaching decisions, and more. They argue that many popular beliefs and myths about football are not supported by empirical evidence, and they present data-driven insights that challenge conventional thinking.

“Numbers Game” covers a variety of intriguing subjects, such as:

1. Player Performance: The authors analyze player statistics and performance metrics to assess the true value of players and the impact of different attributes on their contributions to the team.
2. Team Strategies: The book discusses strategies like possession-based play, counterattacking, and more, using data to evaluate their effectiveness and challenge assumptions about what makes a successful team.
3. Penalty Shootouts: The authors delve into the psychology and probabilities of penalty shootouts and explore strategies that could increase a team’s chances of winning.
4. Managerial Decisions: The book evaluates coaching decisions, such as substitutions and tactical choices, based on data analysis to determine their impact on match outcomes.
5. Economics of Football: The authors discuss the financial aspects of the sport, including player transfers, club finances, and the relationship between spending and success.

“Numbers Game” aims to provide readers with a deeper understanding of the game by examining it through a scientific and statistical lens. It challenges conventional wisdom and invites readers to think critically about football-related topics while appreciating the role that data analysis can play in enhancing our understanding of the sport.