Shot on target (Shots on target category in our fantasy league)
A shot on target is defined as any goal attempt that:
• Goes into the net regardless of intent.
• Is a clear attempt to score that would have gone into the net but for being saved by the goalkeeper or is stopped by a player who is the last-man with the goalkeeper having no chance of preventing the goal (last line block).
Shots directly hitting the frame of the goal are not counted as shots on target, unless the ball goes in and is awarded as a goal.
Shots blocked by another player, who is not the last-man, are not counted as shots on target.
Goal Assist (Assist category in our fantasy league)
The final touch (pass, pass-cum-shot or any other touch) leading to the recipient of the ball scoring a goal. If the final touch (as defined in bold) is deflected by an opposition player, the initiator is only given a goal assist if the receiving player was likely to receive the ball without the deflection having taken place. Own goals, directly taken free kicks, direct corner goals and penalties do not get an assist awarded.
Pass (where its successful it will count to successful passes category in our fantasy league)
Any intentional played ball from one player to another. Passes include open play passes, goal kicks, corners and free kicks played as pass – but exclude crosses, keeper throws and throw-ins.
Cross (where its successful it will count towards our crosses/dribbles category. that can be from open play or set piece)
Any intentional played ball from a wide position intending to reach a team mate in a specific area in front of the goal.
Dribbles/Take-ons (Must be succesfully beat a player to count towards crosses/dribbles category)
This is an attempt by a player to beat an opponent when they have possession of the ball. A successful dribble means the player beats the defender while retaining possession, unsuccessful ones are where the dribbler is tackled. Opta also collects attempted dribbles where the player overruns the ball with a heavy touch when trying to beat an opposition player.
Tackle (note the definition of a tackle won which is a pre-requisite in order for it to count towards tackles/intercepts category)
A tackle is defined as where a player connects with the ball in a ground challenge where he successfully takes the ball away from the player in possession.
The tackled player must clearly be in possession of the ball before the tackle is made.
• A tackle won is deemed to be where the tackler or one of his team-mates regains possession as a result of the challenge, or that the ball goes out of play and is “safe”.
• A tackle lost is where a tackle is made but the ball goes to an opposition player.
Both are deemed as successful tackles however, the outcome of the tackle (won or lost) is different based on where the ball goes after the tackle.
It is not a tackle, when a player cuts out a pass by any means.
Interception (counts towards the tackles/intercepts category)
This is where a player reads an opponent’s pass and intercepts the ball by moving into the line of the intended pass.
Block (counts towards Saves/Headers/Blocks category)
This is where a player blocks a shot on target from an opposing player.
Aerial Challenge won – Aerial Challenge lost (Where the challenge is won it will count towards the Saves/Headers/Blocks Category)
This is where two players challenge in the air against each other. The player that wins the ball is deemed to have won the duel. When more than two players are involved the player closest to the duel winner is given an Aerial Duel lost.
Goalkeeper
Save (counts towards Saves/Headers/Blocks category multiplied by 2)
A goalkeeper preventing the ball from entering the goal with any part of his body when facing an intentional attempt from an opposition player.
Saves have the following attributes:
• Body part - Hands/Feet/Body
• Save type - Caught/Collected/Parried Safe/Parried Danger area/Fingertip
• Goalkeeper position - Diving/Standing/Reaching/Stooping
Catch (Counts towards the tackles/intercepts category multiplied by 2)
A high ball played into the penalty area that is caught by the goalkeeper.
Punch (Counts towards the tackles/intercepts category multiplied by 2)
A high ball that is punched clear by the goalkeeper. The keeper must have a clenched fist and attempting to clear the high ball rather than claim it.