In-game stats

What are in-game stats?

In-game stats, short for in-game statistics, are data points collected during a live football match that show how players and teams are performing. These stats provide a detailed breakdown of key events and actions as the game happens. Unlike pre-match predictions or post-match summaries, in-game stats offer a dynamic view of the game’s flow in real-time.

These stats are useful for coaches to make tactical decisions, for commentators to give better analysis, and for fans to understand the game and players’ contributions.

Sportmonks’ in-game stats include basic metrics (like goals, shots, and fouls) and advanced analytics (like expected goals and player ratings). Our API provides both real-time and post-match data, including live scores, substitutions, and detailed performance stats for both players and teams. For a complete list of in-game statistics available through our API, visit our statistics documentation.

How in-game stats are collected and used

The collection of in-game stats has become more advanced with new technology. Here’s how the data is gathered during a match:

– Manual data entry: In the past, trained analysts would manually record events using specific coding systems. This method is still used but is now combined with technology for more accuracy.
– Optical tracking systems: Many professional leagues use cameras that track the ball and players in real time. This data helps create advanced stats like distance covered, speed, and heatmaps showing player positions.
– Event data providers: Companies like Sportmonks employ analysts who watch matches live (or on video) and log events like passes, tackles, shots, and fouls.
– Sensor technology: Sensors in the ball or players’ clothing can provide detailed data, such as ball speed, acceleration, and heart rate.

Once collected, these in-game stats are used in many ways:

– Live commentary and analysis: Broadcasters use real-time stats to add context to the game, like “70% possession for the home side” or “passing accuracy has dropped in the second half.”
– Tactical adjustments: Coaches receive live data that helps them make decisions about substitutions, formations, or tactical changes during the game.
– Post-match analysis: After the game, in-game stats are reviewed to understand what influenced the result. Coaches and analysts can spot trends, strengths, and weaknesses.
– Player performance evaluation: Stats provide a clear picture of a player’s contributions beyond just goals and assists. Metrics like successful tackles, key passes, and distance covered give a fuller view of their impact.
– Fan engagement: Fans can follow live stats on websites and apps, giving them a deeper understanding of the game.
– Betting and fantasy football: Detailed in-game stats have boosted sports betting and fantasy football leagues, where player performance directly affects points and results.

Available in-game statistics on Sportmonks

Below is a categorised list of confirmed in-game statistics offered through Sportmonks’ Football API. Confirmed against the live statistics types reference and an actual player statistics response.

Attacking statistics

– Goals: the number of times a player or team scores.
– Assists: a pass or action that directly leads to a teammate scoring.
– Shots: total shots, split into on target, off target, and blocked.
– Expected goals (xG): measures the likelihood of a shot becoming a goal.
– Key passes: passes that set up a shot.
– Dribbles: successful dribbles, dribble attempts, and times dribbled past are tracked as separate fields.

Defensive statistics

– Tackles: a flat count, no attempted-vs-won breakdown.
– Interceptions
– Clearances
– Blocked Shots / Shots Blocked: two distinct fields, one for shots of a player’s own that got blocked, one for shots a player blocked defensively.
– Duels Won and Total Duels: tracked separately. Aerials Won is also its own field. There is no “ground duels” field.
– Fouls

Possession and passing statistics

– Passes and Accurate Passes, plus Accurate Passes Percentage.
– Long Balls and Long Balls Won.
– Total Crosses and Accurate Crosses.
– Crosses Blocked.

Disciplinary statistics

– Fouls, Fouls Drawn
– Yellow Cards, Red Cards
– Penalties: returned as a single object covering taken, won, scored, committed, saved, and missed.

Advanced analytics

– Expected Goals (xG): confirmed, real-time updates during live matches (Basic/Advanced add-on tiers).
– Player Ratings: confirmed, includes average, highest, and lowest per season.
– Big Chances Created and Big Chances Missed: confirmed, separate fields.

Team performance metrics

Team performance metrics assess a team’s overall effectiveness, consistency, and strategic results across matches, focusing on collective outcomes rather than individual actions. These stats offer insights into a team’s standing, past performance, and dominance during games.

– Average points per game (PPG): The average number of points a team earns per match, calculated by dividing total points (3 for a win, 1 for a draw, 0 for a loss) by the number of matches played.
– Head-to-head (H2H) results: The historical outcomes of matches between two specific teams, including wins, draws, losses, and goals scored. Sportmonks tracks H2H data to analyse rivalries and predict future match results.
– Goal difference: The difference between goals scored and goals conceded over a series of matches.
– Win percentage: The percentage of matches a team has won.
– Form guide: A summary of a team’s recent results (e.g., wins, draws, losses) over a set period, typically the last 5–6 games.
– Standings rank: A team’s position in a league or tournament table, based on points, goal difference, or other tiebreakers.

Real-time match events

Real-time match events are live updates and data points captured during a football match, offering immediate insights into the game’s progress and key moments. These events are essential for applications like live scoreboards, betting platforms, and fan engagement tools.

– Live scores: The current score of the match, updated instantly as goals are scored.
– Substitutions: When a player is replaced by a substitute during the match.
– Injuries: When a player is unable to continue due to a physical issue, potentially affecting the team’s strategy.
– VAR decisions: Reviews by the Video Assistant Referee that result in overturned or confirmed calls, such as goals, penalties, or red cards.
– Time events: Key moments tied to the match clock, like stoppage time or halftime/full-time whistles.
– Match status: The current state of the match, such as “in progress,” “halftime,” “postponed,” or “finished.” Sportmonks updates match status to help users follow the game’s progression.

Explore Sportmonks’ in-game stats today

Power your football experience with the Sportmonks football API’s in-game statistics. From live goals and xG to tackles and possession, access real-time and post-match data across over 2,500 leagues worldwide. Whether you’re a developer building a live scoreboard, a coach analyzing tactics, or a fan tracking player performance, our comprehensive stats bring every match to life. Sign up for a free trial and start exploring our extensive in-game stats library today.