Seven impressive statistics from the Championship’s opening weekend

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Stars from Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Sheffield Wednesday all feature among others.

Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez

This weekend saw the Championship finally get underway, giving fans their first taste of domestic football following the long summer break.

This season is expected to be an exciting one to say the least given the teams currently in the division.

Naturally there were several star performers from the opening weekend, as players sought to get the season underway with a bang.

Aston Villa manager Roberto Di Matteo

But who came out on top when it came to passing, defending, shooting and everything else in between? We decided to find out.

Here are seven stats from the Championship’s opening weekend.

Blackburn Rovers manager Owen Coyle and Norwich City manager Alex Neil

Starting in defence, nobody posted more tackles that Fulham defender Michael Madl as he managed six in total.

Ipswich’s Adam Webster dominated interceptions as he posted 13, while Sheffield Wednesday’s Barry Bannan came out on top in ball recoveries with 14 to his name.

On to passing and nobody played more accurate passes than Wolves midfielder Lee Evans and Newcastle captain Jamaal Lascelles this weekend; they posted 74 each in their games.

Bristol City’s Gary O’Neill was the biggest creative force though; registering five key passes for his side as they beat Wigan.

Onto dribbling and Aston Villa’s Jordan Ayew came out on top with seven contests won against Sheffield Wednesday.

Finally Fernando Forestieri and Jonathan Kodjia were on top in terms of shooting, with seven attempts a piece.

Sheffield Wednesday’s Fernando Forestieri celebrates with team mates after scoring their first goal