One thing I noted during the World Cup was the vast amount of games being 0-0 at HT. Spain notoriously went 3/4 games 0-0 HT. ( and then went on to win 1-0 usually ) So does this translate to the premiership?
Judging on Yesterdays action ( Saturday 21/08/2010) it may well do. But, I'm sure it would be more of a prominent occurrence in other leagues. 3 of the 7 games in the EPL were 0-0 at HT. 3/7 not a bad return, right? Not really. Ok, but, that includes Arsenal against Blackpool and Chelsea v Wigan. Neither Wigan nor Blackpool are particularly effective at holding teams, so if you would rule them out then 3 out of the 5 games were 0-0 at HT. Everton were only 1-0 up against Wolves too.
If we look at some of the teams involved we might be able to find a pattern. West Brom were 0-0 with Sunderland at the break. West Brom are a decent side as we know, so maybe when they are at home against non top-6 side opposition (who have the ability to cut them open and control a higher amount of possession ) it could lead to a 0-0 ht results. Reasoning is that they will control large amounts of the game and not have that potent attack to score early on, hopefully not leaking anything in the process.
Blackburn are another side that interests me. They don't give much away, fight tooth and nail 'Big Sam style.Which could lead to tight, boring games, such as was the case at Birmingham Yesterday. Birmingham aren't as good as last years league position suggests, in my opinion. But with an organised defence and an inspired Foster they might be able to hold off teams till the break, while not offering much at the other end.
West ham against Bolton was also 0-0 at HT. However while I wouldn't of put West Ham in the 0-0- Category; maybe at Upton Park, where they are controlling lower quality teams, it could be a possibility as they are not confident in front of goal. Bolton, who have changed under their style, (slightly lol) under new management are still solid and lack some creativity, and really suit the 0-0 HT every well. Bolton are off too a good start and do like their setup but that's beside the point.
Everton and Wolves also interested me. Wolves remind me of Blackburn, fight tooth and nail etc: with no real creativity, creating maybe 3/4 chances a game. They are off to a good start as well, which I think is a bit misleading. Everton, while one of the better teams, no doubt, became the perennial 1-0 winners team a couple of seasons ago, and that won't change under Moyes.
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