Statistical Analysis of Hearts’ Goal-Scoring Difficulties

Hearts, currently positioned second-bottom in the Scottish Premiership, are experiencing difficulties across various aspects this season, with Lawrence Shankland’s low goal tally being particularly prominent. The Scotland international’s significant responsibility has been a long-standing concern for both commentators and fans. His current output of just one league goal directly correlates with the team’s overall scoring struggles. Despite his limited goal return, the Hearts striker leads the team in offensive involvement, having recorded the most shots (43) and the highest number of touches in the opposition box (87). This figure is 20 more than the player with the next highest touches, Nicolas Kuhn. Shankland’s individual expected goals (xG) stand at 3.76, while the team’s collective xG is 15.31. However, Hearts have only managed to score 14 goals, which is the third lowest total in the league. Their shot conversion rate is 8.64%, also ranking as the third lowest in the league. These statistics become even more concerning given that Hearts have recorded the second-highest number of touches in the opposition box. The Gorgie club has accumulated 343 touches in their opponent’s box and taken 162 shots, placing them third highest in the league for shots. Only Celtic, with 436 touches, have spent more time in the opposition’s penalty area. The squad also features considerable experience, with an average starting age of 27 years, 215 days, making it the oldest in the division. This figure is notably influenced by the inclusion of Craig Gordon. The veteran goalkeeper, Craig Gordon, has conceded 16 goals, surpassing his expected goals (xG) conceded tally of 13.62. His save percentage stands at 57.5%, which is the second lowest among goalkeepers who have participated in 11 or more matches.