Millwall’s xG for Coventry match – and for 2021-22 season – makes for interesting reading

Millwall manager Gary Rowett has adjusted his assessment of their 1-1 draw at Coventry City after rewatching the match at the weekend.

The Lions chief felt that the Sky Blues were unfortunate not to win in his post-game press conference on Saturday evening.

But Coventry manager Mark Robins, who did media first, said: “Really, on the balance of play, got to really be happy with a point. It could have been three each..it could have been four each. You’re playing against a really good side.”

The xG (expected goals) was 1.5-1.06 in Millwall’s favour. Asked about that, Rowett told the South London Press: “The fact we couldn’t quite chase the game late on, like we normally do at home, that skewed my thinking a little bit afterwards.

“But actually reading Mark’s comments and watching the game back, there actually wasn’t a lot in it. We’ve had just as many good chances as they had.

“I looked at something similar, the xG league tables, and we would’ve been something like 10th or 12th with 12 points, which actually would probably be a fairer reflection of the start to the season. Obviously it doesn’t work that way. But it evens itself out if you keep creating opportunities.

“We’ve created opportunities in every game, that’s the nice thing about it. What we’re not doing is a little bit like previously, we’re not being ruthless enough and scoring with some of those chances.”