OPTA statistics: Manchester City led for 60% of the total game time, Newcastle are the "draw masters"

October 13th According to data analysis by Opta, in the first seven rounds of the 2025-26 Premier League season, the proportion of time each team spent in the three states of leading, falling behind and drawing showed significant differences, revealing the tactical style and game control of each team.

Manchester City is the team best at maintaining the lead this season. They have been leading for a total of 423 minutes and 15 seconds, accounting for 60% of their total game time. However, they also set an embarrassing record against Arsenal, failing to win despite leading for 89 minutes and 23 seconds. Bournemouth's performance was equally impressive. They led 42% of the time and set records for the longest winning position in a single game at 97 minutes and 50 seconds and 96 minutes and 42 seconds against Wolves and Tottenham.

On the other hand, some teams have been in a state of catching up for a long time. The Wolves, who are at the bottom of the league, were behind 54.1% of the time (a total of 381 minutes and 1 second), the most of any team. West Ham United is the team with the shortest lead, having only led for 25 minutes and 6 seconds throughout the season.

The data also reveals some interesting edge cases. Liverpool won the game against Burnley with a penalty kick in stoppage time. They only led by 2 minutes and 5 seconds in the entire game. It was the most thrilling victory of the season.

Newcastle United has become the "draw master". They have been in a draw for 67.1% of the game time, with a total of 477 minutes and 35 seconds. Crystal Palace performed best when the game was even. They achieved a +6 goal difference in a draw, leading the Premier League.

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