[Nogrod]

Going to the semifinals, the Arda Kicker Magazine wants to provide it’s readers with some statistics that can not be read straight from the point-leader tables – and some of which can be read if one has the time to do it...

There will be the games the teams have played, the shots taken and received + those on target in brackets followed by a summary, saving percent of the goalie + the point averages (phantasy points) from the games thus far (with the goalie it of course is not an average...). The team in question is always the “home-team” eg. it’s numbers are first in the match-ups.


So the match Angband vs. Hithlum

Angband
Minas Tirith 2-2 15–9 (8-4)
Moria 2-1 12-7 (6-3)
Alqualonde 2-1 11-12 (6-5)

Romenna 2-0 14-9 (6-3)
TIG 3-2 OT 14-20 (6-8)

Goals: 11-6
Shots: 66-57 (32-23) + 1xOT
Saves: 6/23 = 74% saves

Point averages:
GK: 16
DF: 5,25
MF: 13
FW: 13,5

Hithlum
Gondolin 2-1 13-8 (7-4)
Minas Morgul 2-2 14-11 (6-4)
Isengard 2-0 13-6 (7-2)

Taniquetil 2-1 12-9 (5-4)
Dor Lomin 3-1 15-9 (8-4)

Goals: 11-5
Shots: 67-43 (33-18)
Saves: 5/18 = 73% saves

Point averages:
GK: 16
DF: 9,5
MF: 7,66
FW: 17,33


The match Armenelos vs. Mirkwood

Armenelos
Dor Lomin 3-1 16-12 (8-4)
Doriath 3-1 16-10 (8-4)
Lothlórien 2-0 14-7 (7-3)

Erebor 3-1 15-8 (7-3)
Minas Morgul 2-0 14-10 (6-2)

Goals: 13-3
Shots: 75-47 (36-16)
Saves: 3/16 = 82% saves

Point averages:
GK: 20
DF: 14,6
MF: 7,75
FW: 20

Mirkwood
Nargothrond 1-2 11-9 (4-4)
Helm’s Deep 3-0 15-6 (7-2)
Arnor 3-2 14-8 (7-4)

Túna 3-2 OT 13-20 (6-8)
Valimar 2-2 SO 11-16 (5-7)

Goals: 12-8
Shots: 64-59 (29-25) + 2xOT
Saves: 8/25 = 68% saves

Point averages:
GK: 10
DF: 3,66
MF: 7,75
FW: 16,66

~*~


A few thoughts on these numbers by the Arda Kicker Magazine's editor-in-chief.


The game between Angband and Hithlum is a bit too close to call. Both teams seem like quite equal on all the statistics. The only difference that could be brought forwards is that Hithlum seems to allow the opponent fewer scoring opportunities. That can be seen both in the tables of shots against the team (and those on target) as well as the point averages of the defenders. Although a little reservation should be made on the fact that Angband met TIG in an overtime match where the TIG shot 20 (8) in one single game.

The AKM verdict: A tough one but a slight edge to Hithlum.


The game between Armenelos and Mirkwood looks like it has been already settled – unless Ilúvatar really has decided to bless team Mirkwood for his unfathomable reasons making any speculation about the deeds of the players just null and void. But looking at the stats there is but one favourite: Armenelos.

Their goal difference is just astonishing 13-3! They have made the most goals and given up the least. With no overtime games they have shot the most, especially towards the goal. And Tar Atanamir’s save-percentage is an astonishing 82% (compare that to Oropher’s 68%). With point-averages the two teams are even only in the mid-field (which usually tells more where the scorers reside than what’s the effectiviness of the midfield of the team in question). Armenelos defence outscores Mirkwood with 14,6 – 3,66 average!

The AKM verdict: If you want to lose your money – or love taking real chances, or actually believe Ilúvatar has his hands in this - bet on Mirkwood. Otherwise, Armenelos is the bet.