The surprising Garry Monk statistics that may cause concern at Leeds

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Leeds United manager Garry Monk appears to have a couple of offensive concerns to address.

Since taking the reigns as manager of Leeds United at the start of the season, former Swansea City manager Garry Monk has successfully guided the Elland Road club in a positive direction; edging towards a long-awaited Premier League return.

Monk’s side currently sit in fourth position in the Championship – appearing to be a strong contender for a play-off spot at the culmination of the current campaign – and have the momentum of a six game unbeaten run behind them heading into the final nine fixtures of the season.

However, despite the encouraging league placing, Leeds may need to be mindful of a Monk statistical trend regarding some of the offensive areas of the game.

Interestingly, Opta statistics suggest that Monk’s managerial league record – as admirable as losing 37.1% of all league games across spells with Swansea and Leeds may be – is permeated with a few common factors. Namely, Monk’s sides’ low statistical data for total crosses (per game), scoring attempts created (per game) and shots on target (per game).

Presently, per Championship game, Leeds have the second lowest number of shots on target, only behind Wigan Athletic, the second lowest creation of scoring attempts, with Ipswich Town only having fewer, and the least number of crosses per game played.

Leeds United’s 2016-17 Championship statistics (after 37 games)

Upon comparison with Monk’s only full season in the Premier League, it is notable that Swansea had similar statistical data during the 2014-15 campaign. Indeed, the Swans – who finished in eighth position in the top flight with a club record points tally – found themselves bottom of the division when it came to total crosses per game, and amongst the league’s lowest for both scoring attempts created and shots on target per game.

Swansea City’s 2014-15 Premier League statistics (after 38 games)

These statistics, whilst clearly not deterring from Monks managerial progress to date, provide an intriguing insight into the outcomes of the two clubs that have been under the former central defender’s tutelage. His style of football may simply allow for fewer crosses and a more clinical approach in attacking areas – however, it is certainly a surprise to see bottom club Rotherham with fewer scoring attempts and shots on target than their Yorkshire rivals.

Perhaps the Opta stats may provide Leeds with food for thought, with the Peacocks continuing their Championship run-in with a home game against the tightest defence on the league – as they welcome Brighton and Hove Albion to Elland Road this weekend.

But If Leeds go up, it is likely few will care quite how they went about it.