The Premier League 2025/26 season has delivered plenty of goals and surprises. But to truly understand which teams are performing well or struggling, we need to look beyond the scorelines.
One key stat that tells the real defensive story is expected goals conceded (xGA), as mentioned by WhoScored. As of November 12, 2025, several Premier League sides have allowed far too many high-quality chances, hinting at bigger problems than their league position might show. Let’s discuss this through this article on 96 APK.
What Does xG (Expected Goals) Mean?
xG, or expected goals, measures how good each scoring chance in a football match is. Instead of counting only goals, it looks at how likely a shot was to go in.
Each shot is given a value between 0 and 1:
- 0 = almost no chance (for example, a 30-yard shot)
- 1 = almost certain goal (for example, a tap-in from one yard out)
If a player takes a shot with an xG of 0.7, that means there’s roughly a 70% chance it should result in a goal based on similar chances in past matches.
What is xGA (Expected Goals Conceded)?
xGA measures how many expected goals a team allows its opponents to create.
- A high xGA means the defence is giving up many dangerous chances.
- A low xGA means the team is defending well and limiting shot quality.
Example: Imagine Burnley play Arsenal, and Arsenal take 10 shots:
- 5 long shots (xG = 0.05 each, total 0.25)
- 3 good chances inside the box (xG = 0.3 each, total 0.9)
- 2 one-on-ones (xG = 0.8 each, total 1.6)
That gives Burnley an xGA of 2.75, meaning Arsenal were expected to score about 2–3 goals based on the quality of their chances.
If Arsenal scores 3 goals, it matches the data. If they score only 1, Burnley were lucky (or had a great goalkeeper). If Arsenal score 5, Burnley will have defended even worse than expected.
So, xGA shows how well or how poorly a team really defends, even if the scoreboard hides it.
Also Read: List of Burnley Players Called Up for International Duty – November 2025 Squad Updates
Burnley (xGA 25.58)
Burnley’s Premier League campaign has been disappointing after their Championship success last season. After losing back-to-back matches against Arsenal and West Ham, the Clarets, sitting 17th with only 10 points, posted the highest xGA in the league. This means they’re giving up too many big chances, a warning sign that their defence is under severe pressure. Without improvement, Scott Parker’s team remains at risk of relegation.
West Ham United (xGA 19.99)
Under new manager Nuno Espírito Santo, West Ham have earned back-to-back wins but still rank among the worst defensively. Their xGA is close to 20 suggests that opponents are creating high-quality chances far too easily. The Hammers must tighten up to stay clear of the drop zone.
Nottingham Forest (xGA 19.05)
Forest’s defensive record tells the same story as their league form: 19th with only 9 points. A high xGA confirms they are conceding dangerous shots too often. Despite their recent win against Leeds United, Forest’s defensive setup remains fragile and needs urgent fixing.
Manchester United (xGA 17.96)
Manchester United are 7th in the table with 18 points, but their xGA highlights defensive concerns. The 2-2 draw with Spurs showed both attacking flair and lapses at the back. For a club aiming for a top-four finish, tightening its defensive structure is crucial.
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Everton (xGA 17.51)
Everton sits mid-table with 15 points, and while David Moyes has improved stability, the Toffees still allow too many clear chances. Their 2-0 win over Fulham was solid, but the numbers suggest further defensive discipline is needed to maintain progress.
Burnley, West Ham, and Forest’s high xGA values clearly reflect their positions near the bottom.
Manchester United’s numbers point to inconsistency, while Everton’s mid-range xGA shows cautious improvement.
Conclusion
Expected goals conceded (xGA) goes deeper than the scoreboard; it shows whether a team’s defence is truly strong or just surviving on fine margins.
As of November 2025, Burnley, West Ham, Nottingham Forest, Manchester United, and Everton rank among the Premier League sides conceding the most xG. Their defensive data tells one clear story: without improvement, pressure will continue to mount in the months ahead.
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FAQs
1. What does it mean that Burnley has the highest xG conceded?
It means Burnley is allowing opponents the most and best scoring chances in the league. Even if they’re not conceding every time, it shows their defence is too open.
2. Why is xG better than just counting goals?
Because xG looks at chance quality. A team might win 1-0 but allow five clear chances; the score hides their weakness, but xG exposes it.
3. Can Burnley still improve their defensive numbers?
Yes. By tightening their midfield, pressing smarter, and reducing risky passes near their own box, they can lower their xGA over time.
4. How does xGA affect league position?
Teams with lower xGA often finish higher, as they concede fewer dangerous chances and goals across the season.
5. Who are the other teams struggling with high xGA in 2025/26?
West Ham, Nottingham Forest, Manchester United, and Everton also feature among the top five for xG conceded this season.
