This article highlights the most intriguing statistics from players and teams across the five major European leagues in September. Using data sourced from the renowned fbref website, it showcases standout performances that captivated fans and demonstrated the talents of top footballers.

Highlighted Club Stats

Biggest Win of the Month: Nice Dismantles Saint-Étienne 8-0

Nice achieved a commanding 8-0 victory over Saint-Étienne, showcasing complete control and efficiency in every aspect of the game. With an expected goals (xG) of 5.3 compared to a meager 0.3 for the visitors, Nice dominated from start to finish. Notably, with 4.7 non-penalty xG, this was the highest single-game xG by any team in the Elite 5 leagues this month. Featuring six different goal scorers and an own goal by Saint-Étienne, Nice recorded 18 shots with 11 on target, boasting an impressive 91% passing accuracy. They controlled 59% of possession, while Saint-Étienne held 41%, completing 405 of their 481 passes. Nice completed 637 out of 703 passes, with 33 progressive passes to constantly pressure the opposition. Saint-Étienne struggled to stop Nice, committing only 13 fouls, while Nice remained disciplined without receiving any cards, compared to one yellow for the visitors. Defensively, Nice made 15 tackles, 11 interceptions, and won 4 aerial duels, while Saint-Étienne managed 14 tackles, 13 interceptions, and 3 aerial duels. Both teams recorded 12 clearances. This emphatic victory highlights Nice's dominance in all phases of the game, outclassing Saint-Étienne in every key metric.

Arsenal Registers Most Shots in a Single Match this Month

Arsenal secured an exciting 4-2 home victory over Leicester City, recording 35 shots—the highest by any team in the major European leagues this month. They controlled the game with 74% possession and fired off 16 shots on target, converting 3 into goals, along with 1 own goal from Leicester. Leicester’s goalkeeper, Mads Hermansen, faced a tough challenge, having to save 16 shots on target. He managed to make 13 saves, resulting in a save percentage of 75%. His post-shot expected goals (PSxG) was 5.2, highlighting how difficult it was for him to keep Arsenal from scoring. Despite Hermansen’s efforts, Arsenal’s attacking pressure proved too much for Leicester. With 45.7% of their shots on target, the Gunners consistently threatened the visitors' defense. Hermansen also made 2 defensive actions outside the penalty area, with an average distance of about 11 meters, showcasing his proactive role in defense. This impressive performance helped Arsenal secure an important win while demonstrating their attacking strength in this Premier League match.

Mainz 05 Records Best Goals per Shot Ratio in September

Mainz 05 showcased their clinical finishing in an exciting 3-2 away victory against Augsburg, achieving a remarkable goals-per-shot ratio of 0.6. This impressive statistic is the highest among all teams in the top five leagues this month. Mainz made the most of their limited opportunities, taking only 5 shots in total but converting all 3 of their shots on target into goals—an outstanding 100% success rate. Notably, Mainz had an expected goals (xG) value of just 1.0, emphasizing their efficiency in front of goal. In comparison, Augsburg had an xG value of 2.4, indicating that they had better chances to score but were unable to capitalize. Their goalkeeper, Nediljko Labrović, faced a challenging match, unable to prevent Mainz from finding the net as he recorded 0 saves. Labrović's post-shot expected goals (PSxG) was 1.8, underscoring the quality of the shots he faced. This match highlights the significance of efficiency in front of goal, as Mainz's ability to convert their chances into goals stands out in the competitive landscape of September’s fixtures in the top five leagues.

Bayern Munich Achieves Record Touches and Completed Passes

In a dominant display against Werder Bremen, Bayern Munich recorded the highest number of completed passes and touches in a single match this month. The Bavarians triumphed with a convincing 5-0 victory, amassing a staggering 878 passes, of which they completed 801, achieving an accuracy of 91.2%. Among these completed passes, Bayern had 402 short passes, 351 medium passes, and only 32 long passes, with an impressive accuracy rate of 94.9% for the medium passes. Possession was firmly in Bayern's favor, holding 69% of the ball throughout the match. Additionally, they registered 1,006 touches and 643 carries, both records that no other team has matched this month. In contrast, Werder Bremen managed 514 touches and completed 300 passes, resulting in a lower success rate of 77.7%. This match exemplifies Bayern’s dominance in both passing accuracy and ball control, solidifying their reputation as a top contender in the league.

Man. City Records Highest Total and Progressive Distance 

In an exhilarating clash at home, Manchester City played to a 2-2 draw against Arsenal, showcasing impressive physical performance metrics. The match saw City players covering a total distance of 3,098 meters, the highest of all teams this month. Within that total, they achieved a remarkable 1,838 meters  of progressive distance, also the best among all teams. City dominated possession throughout the match, holding onto the ball 77% of the time, reflecting their control over the game. They registered 11 shots on target out of 33 total attempts, while Arsenal managed 3 shots on target from 5 attempts. Notably, after the 48th minute, City played with one extra player due to Arsenal's Leandro Trossard receiving a red card, which further emphasized City's advantage and attacking momentum. Despite the draw, their exceptional distance covered with the ball and overall distance traveled underline their relentless attacking approach and ability to create scoring opportunities. This performance highlights Manchester City's physical prowess, reinforcing their reputation as a formidable force in the league.

Top Possession : Bayer and PSG Dominate Their Opponents

In September, two teams showcased their possession dominance, each achieving an impressive 78% possession rate. Bayer Leverkusen secured this figure in a thrilling 4-3 victory at home against Wolfsburg, while Paris Saint-Germain managed the same in a 1-1 draw away at Reims.

Leverkusen's attacking prowess was evident as they registered a total of 20 shots, with 7 hitting the target, resulting in an xG of 1.9. In contrast, Wolfsburg struggled to keep pace, managing only 9 shots in total and 4 on target, with an xG of just 0.7. This offensive display underscored Leverkusen's ability to control the game and create opportunities, significantly outpacing their opponents in both shot volume and quality.

On the other hand, PSG also demonstrated their attacking intent with 11 shots, though only 4 were on target, leading to an xG of 1.6. Despite the draw, Reims put up a commendable defensive effort, successfully executing 26 tackles, making 10 interceptions, and completing 21 clearances. Their robust defensive play limited PSG’s scoring opportunities, and they managed to restrict the visitors to an xG of only 0.3.

Both matches highlighted the importance of possession and effective attacking strategies, with Leverkusen and PSG standing out in their respective fixtures. Leverkusen's offensive efficiency and PSG's ability to generate chances despite Reims' strong defensive showing reflect the dynamics of modern football, where possession often translates into goal-scoring opportunities.

Chelsea Sets Record with 9 Yellow Cards in Match

In a fiercely contested match between Bournemouth and Chelsea, a staggering 15 yellow cards were issued, making it the game with the most cautions this month. Chelsea emerged victorious with a narrow 1-0 win, but the match was marred by its disciplinary record. Chelsea received 8 yellow cards, setting a record for the most cards given to a single team in a match this month. The total of 14 yellow cards issued during the game is reflective of the aggressive play on both sides, with Bournemouth committing 16 fouls compared to Chelsea’s 9 fouls. This indicates a foul-to-yellow card ratio of 2.14 for Bournemouth and 1.12 for Chelsea, highlighting the intensity of the match. Out of the 14 cards, 5 were shown for arguing with the officials, while the remaining 9 were issued for fouls. Additionally, Chelsea's manager, Maresca, received a yellow card for his protests, bringing the total number of cards issued in the match to 15. This high tally underscores the competitive nature of the Premier League, where emotions can run high and the stakes are equally elevated. While Chelsea secured the three points, the disciplinary aspects of the game will be a point of reflection as they move forward in the season.

Real Madrid Achieves Highest Points in September with 13

Real Madrid is at the top of the standings in September, accumulating 13 points from five matches. Their performance has been impressive, as they secured victories at home against Real Betis with a score of 2-0, where their expected goals (xG) stood at 2.4 compared to Betis's 0.6. They continued their strong performance with a 4-1 win over Espanyol, boasting an xG of 4.4 against 0.3. In their next outing, they edged past Alavés with a close 3-2 scoreline, having an xG of 1.3 compared to Alavés's 0.9. Additionally, they achieved a 2-0 away victory against Real Sociedad, despite the home side's higher xG of 2.3 compared to Real's 1.1. Real Madrid also faced city rivals Atlético Madrid, where they ended in a 1-1 draw, with Real's xG at 0.8 and Atlético's at 1.3. While Real Madrid has excelled in their matches, AC Milan and Eintracht Frankfurt have also made a mark this month by winning all three of their respective matches, each accumulating 9 points. However, Real Madrid's consistent performance across five matches has allowed them to lead the pack with a total of 13 points.

Leverkusen Sets Record for Longest Average Shot Distance

In their September clash against Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen recorded the longest average shot distance of the month, with an astounding 37 meters per attempt. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, but Leverkusen's attacking performance was notably limited, especially considering their dominance in the league last season. Leverkusen managed just 3 total shots, with an xG of only 0.1, indicating the lack of high-quality chances. Out of those 3 shots, 2 were on target, but their post-shot xG (PSxG) stood at 0.5, reflecting Bayern’s solid defensive effort. Despite Leverkusen’s attacking prowess in past seasons, Bayern managed to restrict them to long-range efforts and low-danger opportunities throughout the game.

Highlighted Player Stats

Harry Kane Sets Record with 8 Goals + Assists Combined

In September, Harry Kane of Bayern Munich led the way in combined goals and assists among players in the top leagues, showcasing his remarkable offensive prowess. The English striker netted 5 goals and provided 3 assists in just 4 matches, accumulating a total of 340 minutes on the pitch. Kane's performance is highlighted by his impressive +1.9 non-penalty expected goals (npxG), indicating he exceeded the chances he had. His efficiency is further underscored by a 0.21 goals per shot and a 0.75 goals per shot on target, emphasizing his ability to convert opportunities into goals. Kane’s contributions have been pivotal for Bayern, reinforcing his status as one of the top performers in September.

Joshua Kimmich Sets Record for Highest Completed Passes and Distance Carries

In September, Joshua Kimmich of Bayern Munich showcased exceptional playmaking skills, recording a remarkable 461 completed passes across four matches, totaling 360 minutes of action. Alongside his passing prowess, Kimmich also led the month with 386 carries—this refers to his ability to advance the ball by dribbling or running with it, which is crucial for breaking through defenses. He covered a total distance of 1,538 meters while doing so. Out of 498 attempted passes, Kimmich achieved an impressive completion rate of 92.6%. His contributions included 12 key passes and 43 progressive passes, along with 58 passes into the final third. Notably, Kimmich finished the month without any assists, but his passing accuracy remained outstanding: he completed 213 short passes out of 222 attempts (a success rate of 95.9%), 205 medium passes out of 211 attempts (with a success rate of 97.2%), and 41 long passes out of 61 attempts (yielding a success rate of 67.2%). Kimmich’s ability to maintain high passing accuracy while effectively advancing the ball illustrates his vital role in Bayern's midfield. His skill in carrying the ball not only helps break down opposing defenses but also highlights his importance in orchestrating attacks for his team.

Giovani Lo Celso Leads with Most Shot-Creating Actions

In September, Giovani Lo Celso of Real Betis stood out with an impressive 31 shot-creating actions, the highest of any player this month. These actions are crucial as they directly contribute to a team's goal-scoring opportunities. Lo Celso demonstrated his creativity and playmaking ability through 21 live passes and 8 dead passes, showcasing his skill in both dynamic and set-piece situations. Additionally, his involvement in the game was further highlighted by being fouled twice, indicating his ability to draw defenders and create space for his teammates. Lo Celso's remarkable performance underscores his importance in Betis's attacking setup, playing a pivotal role in generating chances and facilitating scoring opportunities.

Iñaki Williams Records Highest Assists in a Single Match with 3

Iñaki Williams delivered a standout performance in Athletic Bilbao's 3-2 away victory against Las Palmas, notching an impressive 3 assists in the match. Despite completing only 17 of 32 passes, Williams made a significant impact by turning 3 of his 4 shot-creating actions (SCA) into goal-creating actions (GCA). His xAG (expected assists) of 1.3 further highlights the quality of his contributions. Out of his 32 attempted passes, 30 were live passes, showing his active involvement in open play. Though his passing accuracy was 50% overall, with 16 of his 32 passes being short-range, Williams demonstrated his ability to deliver key moments with 3 crucial passes leading to goals. His performance underscores the idea that sometimes it's not about quantity, but about the quality of playmaking.

Cole Palmer Scores Most Goals in a Match

Cole Palmer delivered a standout performance at Stamford Bridge, scoring all four of Chelsea’s goals in their 4-2 victory over Brighton. Remarkably, all of Palmer's goals came in the first half, within a 20-minute span, as he found the back of the net between the 21st and 41st minutes. Palmer converted 4 of his 7 total shots, including one from the penalty spot. Out of his 6 non-penalty shots, 3 resulted in goals, with 4 of his efforts hitting the target. With an npxG of 1.6, Palmer exceeded expectations, showcasing not only his scoring ability but also his knack for being in the right place at the right time. His precision in front of goal and ability to capitalize on opportunities were key to Chelsea’s success in this thrilling contest.

Nikola Krstović Leads with Most Shots in Goalless Draw

In a goalless encounter against Torino, Lecce's Nikola Krstović emerged as the most active attacker on the pitch, recording a total of 10 shots. Impressively, he managed to put 5 of those attempts on target. However, despite his high shot volume, he was unable to convert any of his chances into goals, resulting in an expected goals (xG) value of just 0.7. Lecce registered a total of 20 shots during the match, with 6 on target, indicating their attacking intent. However, the quality of their attempts was lacking, as the rest of the team only managed to put 1 of their 10 shots on target. This inconsistency in finishing reflected a missed opportunity to capitalize on their attacking plays, ultimately contributing to the 0-0 stalemate. Meanwhile, Torino struggled offensively, recording just 5 shots without any on target, further emphasizing the disappointing quality of both teams' attacking efforts.

Kevin Stöger Leads with Key Passes and Shot-Creating Actions

In a challenging away match against Eintracht Frankfurt, Kevin Stöger of Borussia Mönchengladbach demonstrated his creative prowess, recording an impressive 14 key passes and leading the match with 21 shot-creating actions (SCA). Despite his individual brilliance, Gladbach fell to a 2-0 defeat, showcasing that the team's struggles were not reflective of Stöger's efforts. Stöger's performance included 6 live passes and 8 dead passes among his 21 SCA, highlighting his ability to generate scoring opportunities. Additionally, he was involved in 2 take-ons and was fouled on 4 occasions, further emphasizing his role as a key playmaker. With 10 progressive passes, he consistently advanced the ball into dangerous areas, demonstrating his impact in an otherwise disappointing outing for Gladbach. While the result may not have been in his favor, Stöger's individual statistics underscore his capability to influence the game positively.

Evan Guessand Records Most goals-creating actions

Evan Guessand from Nice had an impressive performance in the remarkable 8-0 victory against Saint-Étienne, achieving the highest number of goal-creating actions (GCA) in the match with 5. Out of these, 3 were derived from live passes, showcasing his ability to create scoring opportunities in dynamic play. Additionally, he executed one successful take-on and another GCA resulted from a shot that led to a subsequent goal. Despite a total of just 14 passes, Guessand demonstrated efficiency with 12 successful completions, including one progressive pass. Notably, a remarkable 13 of his passes were live passes, further underlining his influence in the attacking phase and ability to engage with the flow of the game effectively.

Rubén Dias Achieves Most Carries in Draw Against Arsenal

In the thrilling 2:2 draw against Arsenal, Manchester City's Rubén Dias stood out by completing the most carries in the match, recording an impressive 106 carries. His total distance covered through carries reached 536 meters, with 331 meters being progressive. Among his progressive carries, he managed to penetrate the penalty area once. Dias's performance was amplified by Manchester City's dominant possession, which reached 77% throughout the match. His 135 touches on the ball included a notable 58 in the final third, showcasing his involvement in attacking plays. This attacking push was further fueled by Arsenal's Trossard receiving a red card in the 48th minute, which shifted the balance of possession firmly in favor of City. His contributions highlight how crucial individual efforts can be, especially in a match where possession was heavily tilted towards City, emphasizing their attacking style despite the final score.

Jon Aramburu Most Tackles in a Dominant Performance

In the match against Valencia, Jon Aramburu of Real Sociedad delivered an impressive defensive performance, recording the highest number of tackles on the pitch. During the convincing 3-0 victory, Aramburu made a total of 9 successful tackles, with 7 executed in the defensive third and 2 in the midfield. His ability to thwart opposing attacks was remarkable, as Valencia players attempted to dribble past him 6 times, and he successfully defended against all of them. In addition, Aramburu stood out with 2 interceptions, 2 clearances, and 1 block, further contributing to the stability of Real Sociedad's defensive line. His efficiency on the field not only reflects his skills but also his ability to stay focused and error-free throughout the match. Aramburu's defensive dominance in this game underscores the importance of individual efforts in team success, and his performance sets a high standard for other players in the league.