Tuesday 11 April 2017 14:08, UK
Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho believes opposition goalkeepers have denied numerous home wins with "phenomenal" performances - and Opta stats suggest he's right.
"We've had a lot of these matches where we've played to win, deserved to win, dominated the game and created a lot but the opposition goalkeeper has been phenomenal," Mourinho claimed, after United were held to a goalless draw against West Brom at Old Trafford a fortnight ago.
Mourinho's men also drew 1-1 draw with Everton last week - their ninth stalemate in 16 home league games (W6, D9, L1), from which they have only scored 21 goals.
Bournemouth, Hull, Liverpool, West Ham, Arsenal, Burnley and Stoke have all grabbed a point at Old Trafford during this campaign, with Lee Grant, Tom Heaton and Eldin Jakupovic winning praise for their performances between the sticks.
During the goalless draw with Burnley, United attempted a league-high 38 shots at Heaton's goal but were still unable to find the back of the net.
Those results have proved costly. While United are on a 21-game unbeaten run, a lack of wins at home has left the club fighting for a top-four finish instead of challenging for a 14th Premier League crown.
But it would appear that Mourinho is correct: opposition 'keepers do appear to be raising their game at the Theatre of Dreams.
According to Opta's expected goals "xG" model, United should have scored six more goals than they have done this season at home - with a key factor being the performance of the shot-stopper in goal.
Opta¹s model measures the likelihood of a shot finding the back of the net, based on the angle, distance, assist type and various other factors.
United have been far more clinical on the road, winning nine of their 14 league meetings (W9, D3, L2) and scoring 25 goals - three more than Opta's model expects.
Can United claim their seventh home win in the Premier League when they host league-leaders Chelsea? Or will visiting 'keeper Thibaut Courtois keep them out? Watch the match live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 3.30pm on Sunday.
