Non-Fiction

Overview

Football has always been associated with numbers such as 4-4-2, the number 9, and 3 points for a win. However, what if we have been focusing on the wrong numbers? The book "The Numbers Game" by Chris Anderson and David Sally argues that the key numbers to winning matches are actually 2.66, 53.4, 50/50, and 0 > 1. The authors suggest that every piece of knowledge we gather can help us better understand and appreciate the game. They explain why stopping a goal is more valuable than scoring one, why corners should be taken short, and why it is better to improve your worst player than to buy a superstar.

The book challenges common beliefs about football and provides insights that will change the way readers watch and play the game. It is essential reading for football fans, and will also appeal to those who enjoyed "Moneyball" and "Freakonomics." The authors, Chris Anderson and David Sally, both bring unique expertise to the book, with Anderson being a former goalkeeper turned football statistics expert, and Sally being a former baseball pitcher turned behavioral economist. They consult with leading football clubs and organizations, providing strategic advice on how to win the numbers game.