
Assists
The final touch (pass, pass-cum-shot or any other touch) leading to the recipient of the ball scoring a goal. If the final touch (as defined in bold, above) is deflected by an opposition player, the initiator is only given a goal assist if the receiving player was likely to receive the ball without the deflection having taken place. Own goals, directly taken free kicks, direct corner goals and penalties do not get an assist awarded.
Cards
Cards are collected as yellow, second yellow or red card. Where possible, cards are cross-checked against official (referee) reports to match the official statistics, unless these are clearly incorrect.
Crosses
Any intentional played ball from a wide position intending to reach a teammate in a specific area in front of the goal.
Goal/Own Goal
Different governing bodies have different rules, and where possible, Opta works with the relevant people to reflect their official decisions on goal scorers. Regarding deflections, normally a goal is awarded if the original attempt is on target. An own goal is usually awarded if the attempt is off target and deflected into the goal by an opponent.
Offside
Awarded to the player deemed to be in an offside position where a free kick is awarded. If two or more players are in an offside position when the pass is played, the player considered to be most active and trying to play the ball is given offside.
Passes
Any intentional played ball from one player to another. Passes include open play passes, goal kicks, corners and free kicks played as a pass, but exclude crosses, keeper throws and throw-ins.
Shot
A shot is defined as any goal attempt.
Shot on target
A shot on target is defined as any goal attempt that: a) Goes into the net regardless of intent - For Goals only. b) Is a clear attempt to score that would have gone into the goal but for being saved by the goalkeeper or is stopped by a player who is the last man with the goalkeeper having no chance of preventing the goal (last line block). Shots directly hitting the frame of the goal are not counted as shots on target unless the ball goes in and is awarded as a goal. Shots blocked by another player, who is not the last man, are not counted as shots on target.
Tackle
A tackle is defined as when/where a player connects with the ball in a ground challenge, where he/she successfully takes the ball away from the player in possession. The tackled player must clearly be in possession of the ball before the tackle is made. It is not a tackle when a player cuts out a pass by any means.
Foul conceded
A foul conceded is defined as any infringement penalised as foul play by a referee that results in a free-kick or penalty event. Offsides are not given as a foul conceded. Incidents where a match official has played advantage and subsequently cautioned a player, do not contribute towards the total foul count for the player or team. In these scenarios a free-kick or penalty event must occur for a foul to be awarded.
Foul won
A foul won is defined as where a player wins a free kick or penalty for their team after being fouled by an opposing player. There is no foul won for a handball, dive, back pass, illegal restart, dissent, goalkeeper 6-second violation or obstruction where a free kick is conceded.