Why James Beattie may prove to be the signing of the season
Five stats about this weekend’s football
1. Has any January signing made as big an impact as James Beattie? Over the last eight games only the Big Four have taken more points than Stoke. Beattie has scored six goals from ten starts which is a huge contribution considering relegation rivals Middlesbrough, spearheaded by £12.7 million striker Afonso Alves, have managed a combined four goals in their last ten.
2. The impact Beattie has made at Stoke makes Sheffield United’s performance without him even more remarkable. The Blades have been the best team in the Championship since January 12, the day they sold Beattie, and they could climb up to second with victory over Barnsley tomorrow if Birmingham lose to Wolves tonight.
3. The most impressive aspect of the Yorkshire club’s climb up the table has been their away form. Kevin Blackwell’s side haven’t been beaten on the road in fourteen league games.
4. Manchester United have conceded ten goals in five league games since their record-breaking run of fourteen consecutive clean sheets was ended.
5. After Aston Villa’s latest defeat they are only three points better off than they were at this stage last season.
Tags: Afonso Alves, Aston Villa, Barnsley, Big Four, Birmingham, Championship, Clean Sheets, Football, James Beattie, Kevin Blackwell, Manchester United, Middlesbrough, Premier League, Sheffield United, Stoke, Wolves
Posted: April 6th, 2009 by Michael Lintorn | 
