Saka

The numbers behind Napoli's hunt for a third Serie A title, how Arsenal use Saka and some positives for Leeds - the weekend analysed.

[While Marsch finds himself in a precarious position at Leeds](https://theathletic.com/4087847/2023/01/14/leeds-jesse-marsch-manager-pressure/), he was justified in saying his side would pick up more points if they continue to play like they did on Friday. In English top-flight history, only [Liverpool](https://theathletic.com/football/team/liverpool/) (2018-19) have won 15 or more of their opening 18 games and not won the title. Looking at Napoli’s ClubElo rating since 1980, their trajectory looks set to be the highest in their history. [Brighton](https://theathletic.com/football/team/brighton-and-hove-albion/) were good value for their 3-0 victory over Liverpool on Saturday, limiting Jurgen Klopp’s team to just two shots on target — their joint-fewest this season. It awards more points for beating tougher sides (for example, a 4-1 win against Liverpool in the Champions League) and fewer for dealing with easier opponents (for example, a 5-2 win against Hellas Verona in Serie A). His assist for [Martin Odegaard](https://theathletic.com/football/player/martin-odegaard-hRSWwjJppH2Xn0jr/) was his seventh in 18 Premier League games this season, equalling his joint-best tally in a single season, set last campaign (seven in 38 games). ClubElo is a rating system that allocates teams points when they win. Since 2019-20, the average shot conversion among players with 20-plus direct free kicks taken is 7.3 per cent. Keep a close eye on the Japan international as he continues to rack up more goal contributions in his first Premier League season. It was his cross-shot that led to Brighton’s opener, with his single assist and three goals showing a healthy return since becoming a regular in Roberto De Zerbi’s side. The second occasion? No player has created more than Saka’s 28 chances in open play this season, and few opponents have worked out how to defend against him.