This glossary covers the key statistical categories, metrics, and performance indicators used to evaluate Chelsea’s squad during the 2025/26 season. Whether you’re tracking Cole Palmer’s goal tally, Enzo Fernandez’s creative output, or the broader impact of Liam Delap’s arrival, these definitions will help you make sense of the numbers behind the Blues’ campaign.
Goals (G)
The most fundamental attacking statistic, counting the total number of goals a player scores in all competitions. For Chelsea in 2025/26, Cole Palmer is among the leaders in this category, with goals across the Premier League and cup fixtures. His ability to finish from both open play and set pieces makes him a key goal threat, though his tally reflects a season where Chelsea’s attack has been inconsistent under multiple managers.
Assists (A)
A pass or cross that directly leads to a goal, credited to the player who makes the final pass before the scorer. Enzo Fernandez has recorded assists this season, a figure that may understate his creative influence. As a deep-lying playmaker, Fernandez often initiates attacks from midfield, but his assist count doesn’t capture the pre-assists or key passes that set up scoring opportunities. His goals this season show he contributes directly to the scoreline as well as creating for others.
Expected Goals (xG)
A metric that measures the quality of a shot based on factors like distance, angle, and type of assist. A shot from six yards out carries a higher xG than a long-range effort. For Chelsea, Palmer’s xG suggests his goals are slightly above expected, indicating clinical finishing. Liam Delap has an xG that shows he’s converting at a rate consistent with the chances he receives.
Expected Assists (xA)
Similar to xG, but for passes that set up shots. It measures the likelihood that a pass becomes an assist based on the quality of the chance created. Fernandez’s xA compared to his actual assists suggests he’s creating high-quality opportunities that teammates haven’t finished. This metric helps explain why his creative contribution feels larger than the assist column shows.
Key Passes (KP)
A pass that leads directly to a shot, whether or not it’s scored. This stat captures a player’s creative output more broadly than assists. In Chelsea’s system, Joao Pedro is among the leaders in key passes per 90 minutes, often dropping into pockets of space to link play. His ability to find Palmer or Garnacho in dangerous areas is crucial to Chelsea’s attacking rhythm.
Shots on Target (SoT)
The number of shots that would go into the net if not saved, excluding blocked efforts. Palmer averages a high number of shots on target per game, reflecting his role as Chelsea’s primary finisher. Alejandro Garnacho has a lower SoT rate but creates more shooting opportunities from wide positions, often cutting inside onto his stronger foot.
Conversion Rate (CR)
The percentage of shots that result in goals. Palmer’s conversion rate is elite for a midfielder, while Delap’s is solid for a striker in his first season at a new club. This metric varies by position: central midfielders like Moises Caicedo typically have lower conversion rates because they shoot from distance, while forwards should aim higher.
Minutes Played (Min)
Total minutes across all competitions, including stoppage time. This stat reveals a player’s importance to the squad. Reece James has struggled with injuries, limiting his minutes this season, while Enzo Fernandez has logged significant minutes as a near-ever-present in midfield. Malo Gusto has filled in at right-back, showing his growing role.
Goals per 90 (G/90)
Goals scored per 90 minutes of play, adjusting for playing time. Palmer’s G/90 is impressive for a player who often drops deep to collect the ball. Estevao Willian, the Brazilian teenager known as Messinho, has played limited minutes but boasts a notable G/90, hinting at his potential as a rotational attacking option.
Assists per 90 (A/90)
Assists per 90 minutes, similarly adjusted. Joao Pedro’s A/90 leads Chelsea’s forward line, while Pedro Neto contributes from the wing. These rates help compare players with different playing times, though small sample sizes can distort numbers for younger squad members.
Pass Completion Rate (PCR)
The percentage of passes that reach a teammate. For central midfielders, this is a key reliability metric. Moises Caicedo completes a high percentage of his passes, reflecting his role as a defensive shield who keeps possession simple. Enzo Fernandez’s rate is lower because he attempts more riskier forward passes, including switches of play and through balls.
Progressive Passes (PP)
Passes that move the ball significantly toward the opponent’s goal, typically defined as passes that advance the ball at least 10 yards or into the penalty area. Fernandez averages a high number of progressive passes per game, the highest in Chelsea’s midfield. This stat captures his ability to break lines and transition play from defence to attack.
Progressive Carries (PC)
Dribbles or runs that move the ball forward significantly, often through midfield or into the final third. Cole Palmer averages a notable number of progressive carries per game, using his close control to draw defenders and create space. Garnacho is close behind, though his carries are more direct and often end with a shot or cross.
Tackles Won (TW)
The number of tackles where the player successfully takes possession of the ball. Moises Caicedo leads Chelsea in tackles won per game, underlining his role as the midfield enforcer. Levi Colwill contributes from centre-back, often stepping out of the defensive line to engage attackers early.
Interceptions (Int)
Passes cut out or deflected by a player, preventing the opposition from advancing. Wesley Fofana averages a high number of interceptions per game, reading play well from the backline. Marc Cucurella’s interceptions show his positional intelligence at left-back, though his aggressive pressing style can leave space behind.
Clearances (Clr)
The number of times a player clears the ball from danger, typically from defensive positions. Benoit Badiashile leads Chelsea in clearances per game, often dealing with crosses and long balls. Axel Disasi contributes similarly, while the full-backs like James and Cucurella clear fewer balls but more often in the final third.
Blocks (Blk)
Shots blocked by a player, preventing the ball from reaching the goal. Caicedo averages blocks per game, often dropping into the defensive line to block shots from midfield. Colwill’s blocks per game show his willingness to put his body on the line, though Chelsea’s high defensive line means fewer blocks inside the box than some rivals.
Aerial Duels Won (ADW)
Headers or aerial challenges successfully won. Liam Delap wins a solid percentage of his aerial duels for a target man. At centre-back, Badiashile wins a high percentage of his headers, making him Chelsea’s most dominant aerial presence. Joao Pedro wins a lower percentage of aerial duels, reflecting his preference for playing on the ground.
Dribbles Completed (DC)
Successful dribbles past an opponent. Estevao Willian completes a notable number of dribbles per 90 minutes, showcasing his flair and close control. Garnacha averages a high number, often taking on full-backs in one-on-one situations. These stats highlight the attacking depth Chelsea has, though consistency in final product remains a work in progress.
Fouls Won (FW)
The number of fouls drawn by a player, often indicating their ability to win free kicks in dangerous areas. Palmer draws a high number of fouls per game, making him Chelsea’s most fouled player. His quick turns and direct running invite contact, which has led to several set-piece opportunities for the team.
Yellow Cards (YC) and Red Cards (RC)
Disciplinary records, with yellow cards accumulating to a suspension after a set number. Caicedo has picked up several yellows this season, the most in the squad, reflecting his combative style. Cucurella and Fernandez have also accumulated cards. No Chelsea player has received a red card in the 2025/26 season as of late March.
Clean Sheets (CS)
Matches where the goalkeeper concedes no goals. Robert Sanchez has kept clean sheets across all competitions, while Filip Jorgensen, who plays in cup competitions, has also recorded clean sheets. Chelsea’s defensive record has been mixed, with the team conceding in most league matches but often keeping clean sheets in the Conference League and early FA Cup rounds.
DEAP Impact (Differential Expected Assists and Positioning)
A composite metric used by some analysts to measure a player’s creative influence beyond traditional assists. It combines expected assists with positioning data to assess how often a player gets into high-value areas. For Chelsea, Enzo Fernandez has a notable DEAP score, indicating he consistently finds dangerous positions and delivers quality passes. Joao Pedro’s DEAP reflects his movement between the lines, while Palmer’s score is the highest in the squad, showing his dual threat as a scorer and creator.
What to Check When Using These Stats
- Context matters: A high conversion rate may reflect few chances rather than elite finishing. Always check minutes played and shot volume.
- League vs. cup splits: Some players pad stats against weaker opposition in cup competitions. Look at Premier League-only numbers for a fairer comparison.
- Sample sizes: Young players like Estevao Willian have limited minutes, so per-90 stats can be misleading. Wait until they’ve played at least 500 minutes for meaningful data.
- Multiple sources: Different data providers (Opta, StatsBomb, etc.) may define stats slightly differently. Stick to one source when comparing players.
- Eye test: Statistics tell part of the story. Watch how players move, press, and combine with teammates to understand their true impact.