Daily Times

Chelsea coach Mauricio Pochettino believes his side should be higher in the Premier League standings, adding that data indicates that their results have not matched their performances on the pitch.

Pochettino’s expensive squad have struggled for consistency this season and sit 11th in the league standings with 39 points from 27 games, 17 points fewer than fourth-placed Aston Villa. Chelsea have a poor goal difference this season but their lack of goals has largely been caused by their own profligacy, with the club ranking fourth in the league for big chances missed. They are also ranked fourth in expected goal difference ,according to data firm Opta, behind only Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool.

“We know really well what we are doing. That’s why I laugh. I don’t take it personally when the fans say that (criticise)… If you look at all the data, in the table we should be in fourth position,” said Pochettino. “But for different reasons, we are not there. What the data means is that we are in a good way. In which area do we need to improve? It’s things (that will come) with time. We need to compete better, small details.