TA: The Premier League has entered the era of "defeat", with the number of stoppage-time goals deciding the outcome reaching a record high.

October 17th TA wrote that the Premier League this season seems to have entered an unprecedented "killer era." In the 70 games at the beginning of the season, as many as 10 were decided by stoppage time goals, a ratio that reached a record high. If you include the stoppage time equalizer, as many as 21% of the game results are changed at the last moment. Data analysis revealed that there may be three key factors behind this phenomenon.

The first is the significant extension of the game time. In recent years, referees have become more strict with timing, causing the average stoppage time to increase significantly this season. Data shows that the average time for goals in stoppage time this season is 93 minutes and 31 seconds, the latest in the past eight seasons, which provides more time windows for the dramatic scenes before the end.

Secondly, the role of “super substitute” has become increasingly prominent. Represented by Arsenal coach Arteta's "terminator" concept, substitute players are playing an unprecedented decisive role. This season, 60% (9 goals in total) of the winning or equalizing goals in stoppage time were scored by substitute players. In the substitute kill list, Klopp tops the list with 13 goals, and the efficiency of current coaches such as Arteta and Silva is also far higher than that of legendary coaches such as Ferguson, which confirms the evolution of tactical concepts.

Finally, the general improvement in the competitiveness of the league has also created conditions for the emergence of killer games. Unlike Guardiola's Manchester City who often win easily, the gap between the Premier League's strengths and weaknesses is now narrowing.

The "Gini coefficient" analysis in economics shows that this season is the most competitive season in the past nine years. More close games mean a greater chance of a stalemate being maintained until the final moment, paving the way for a buzzer-beater.

Mini-game recommendations:Shoe Race