By The Numbers: PSL Midweek Review

Sundowns beat Orlando Pirates 2-1 at FNB Stadium in a top-of-the-table clash on Wednesday night. The result narrowed the gap between them and the log leaders to just three points, but it was a massive statement from Sundowns. The defending champions have a game in hand over their rivals, and will be happy with a result that keeps them within touching distance at a crucial part of the season. In the other game on the day, Stellenbosch and Magesi drew 1-1. By The Numbers reviews the midweek games.

Sundowns end Pirates’ winning streak

This season, Sundowns have been presented with a new challenge – to chase the team at the top of the table. The peak of this challenge came last night, when they had to travel to Soweto to face the runaway leaders Pirates. Pirates had won 11 consecutive home games leading up to this game, so their visitors would have to be near-perfect to end that run. On the other hand, Sundowns’ away record has not been great all season. They had won just three of eight away games in the league, and four in all competitions (out of 13). Pre-game, the odds were not in their favour to win, something we rarely see in the odds market. Post-game, the pattern seems familiar.

60 – league games Pirates have played against Sundowns in the PSL era

28 – league games Pirates have lost against Sundowns in the PSL era, more than any other team

0 – teams that have beaten Pirates more than 20 times

Pirates’ main lesson: You have to take your chances

The lead up to the first goal of the game embodied this tie. Pirates had a big chance that they did not capitalise on, and the ball was swept across the other end of the field for Sundowns to take the lead. We expected the game to be cagey, and while it was entertaining, clearcut chances were at a premium.

7 – shots for Pirates, their fewest in a game this season

8 – shots for Sundowns (their second fewest in a game this season)

1 – shot by Pirates after their goal (goal came in the 47th minute)

0 – shots by Pirates in the last 43 minutes of the game

The momentum chart also shows how Sundowns made the most of their first period of sustained pressure. Pirates, on the other hand, dominated the first 20 minutes but did not take their chances.

They also applied pressure in the second half, but that mounted to nothing beyond a deflected goal.

3 – big chances for Pirates in this game

3 – big chances missed by Pirates

Stellenbosch 1-1 Magesi

At the other end of the table and the country, Stellenbosch and Magesi locked horns at the same time. Magesi are bottom of the table, while Stellies are in an unlikely 13th position. Pre-game, Gavin Hunt’s side was favoured to win the game, and will be disappointed they let Magesi back in the game. They created enough chances to win 42% of the time, but a late red card and a blunt attack meant they could only share the spoils.

0 – Magesi attempted no shots in the second half against Stellenbosch, only the second time a team ends the second half without a shot this season (also AmaZulu v Polokwane City)