Possession

[BlueToujours]

I read constantly various posters go on about this particular stat. Just noticed that with 78 minutes gone Bournemouth have 77% possession against Forest and they are losing!! Meaningless or what? (Cue a Bournemouth goal http://www.ccmb.co.uk/images/smiley_icons/Dsmile.gif )

[RichardM]

Arsenal have 57% and are losing

[Gwynedd Blue]

Arsenal have 57% and are losingI was referring to the Forest game mainly - just cocked the quote thing up.

[Captain Hindsight]

Bullshit. In the long run it's the only stat that matters. If you're able to keep the ball even with backwards and sidewards passing then you will win the possession stat.

It's beneficial to try and keep the ball around the back, even costing a goal or two just to make sure you ultimately come out on top in the possession %.

When you can win this crucial stat you can really go onwards and upwards in winning any stat. Game of two halves.

[RichardM]

Bullshit. In the long run it's the only stat that matters. If you're able to keep the ball even with backwards and sidewards passing then you will win the possession stat. Don't you mean "two hals"?

[surge]

Is it easier to control the game by keeping the ball or by keeping your shape? I don't think the top teams can only do one.