By The Numbers: Kaizer Chiefs & Sundowns titanic battle ends goalless

The result left both teams unbeaten in the league so far this season, with Chiefs enjoying a 2-point advantage given they won a game more.

Yet, it is Sekhukhune that leads the table by goal difference, but things are very congested at the top. Despite the lack of goals, there were still memorable moments and numbers to analyse. By The Numbers is a statistical review of the big game.

The big picture

For the first time in PSL history, Chiefs have kept a clean sheet in all four league games played from the start of the season. Suffice to say, Brendan Peterson is the first Chiefs goalkeeper in PSL history to maintain four shutouts from the start of a campaign. When you compare this defensive record with the entirety of last season, you can see clearly how much Chiefs have improved. It’s this defensive solidity that is proving to be a solid foundation to their campaign.

0 – clean sheets at this stage last season

4 – clean sheets for Chiefs this season (100% rate)

7 – clean sheets in 28 games last season (25% rate)

10 – games needed to collect a first clean sheet (29 December, v`Chippa)

The game

While the match failed to produce goals, it delivered a significant narrative: for the first time this season, Chiefs dropped points and yet they continued their flawless defensive start with a fourth consecutive clean sheet. It suggests a new era of resilience under Nasreddine Nabi who was also back in the dugout after a family emergency trip that saw him miss the first few games of the campaign. Chiefs not only matched the defending champions but outperformed them in key areas. Miguel Cardoso’s men barely had threatening attempts at Brandon Petersen’s goal.

0.85 – xG for Chiefs in this game

0.29 – xG for Sundowns in this game

1 – the first time in the last two seasons (four league fixtures) that Chiefs generated a higher Expected Goals (xG) tally than Sundowns.

The usually dominant Sundowns appeared uncharacteristically subdued. Chiefs dictated much of the game, forcing the Brazilians onto the back foot in several phases – a rare sight in recent years. Sundowns had the first attempt of the match when Tashreeq Matthews flicked an attempt over the Chiefs’ goal. On the other end of the field, a poorly controlled ball under pressure allows Chiefs to create an opportunity for Wandile Duba to head straight at Ronwen Williams. By the end of the half, Chiefs had more attempts, and the same was true by the end.

7 – shots for Chiefs in the first half (5 for Sundowns)

6 – shots for Chiefs in the 2nd half (just 2 for Sundowns)

0 – shots on target for Sundowns in the second half (2 for Chiefs)

Going forward

With a solid defensive foundation and signs of attacking evolution, Chiefs have four points more than at the same stage last season. Only twice before have Chiefs won more points after 4 games (2014/15 and 1996/97).

2014/15 – The last time Chiefs had 12 points from four games

2019/20 – The last time Chiefs had 10 points from four games

It is early days yet. In 2001/2, Chefs havd the same number of points after four games. Yet, they went on to finish ninth. May they just be emerging as a genuine title contender?