Better chances and more shots - how Chesterfield are shaping up under new manager James Rowe

Before joining Town the 37-year-old’s Gloucester City plundered 26 goals in nine games and Rowe has brought that attacking intent to the Technique Stadium.

At his first press conference he set his stall out when he told the DT: “As long as we are scoring more than the opposition I couldn't care less if we concede five and score six every week because we win the game. It is about winning the game and winning at all costs. That is how I see the game.”

Two goals in two games is not exactly eye-catching but a closer look at the key statistics give a good indication of what direction Rowe is going in.

Chesterfield’s xG rate (expected goals based on the quality of chances created) in Rowe’s first game in charge against Weymouth was their highest of the season at 2.37 and their xG vs Aldershot Town in his second match was the third highest at 1.85 (Altrincham was 2.1). Their average for the season is 1.26.

The figures also show that shots and shots on target have increased. Against Weymouth, Chesterfield had 19 shots (their highest of the season) with 10 on target, while vs Aldershot they had 18 efforts (their second highest) with seven on target.

In the same game the Blues recorded their biggest amount of possession in a match this season at 62% (second highest was 55% vs Maidenhead). Their average is 46%.

Passing accuracy against Weymouth was the highest of the season at 81% (250 out of 306) and second highest against Aldershot at 79% (268 out of 338).

And Chesterfield’s ‘recoveries’ (winning back possession) against Aldershot was the highest of the campaign at 110 and their duels won (52%) was the second highest behind Wealdstone away (53%).

So what does all this this tell us? it is early days but the Blues are creating better chances, having more shots, improving in possession, passing better and winning the ball back more.