The Magpies are among the teams with the fewest goals scored by substitutes out of 92.
- Notts County struggle with substitute impact, ranking 9th lowest in English football involvements this season.
- That has been an issue for both Stuart Maynard and Luke Williams at Notts, a problem exacerbated by injuries throughout the squad.
- Recent additions like Jatta have strengthened the squad, but key players out due to injury has hindered substitute goal contributions.
Stuart Maynard defeated Bradford City away on Tuesday night to earn his second win of the Notts County career.
With a much-needed three points secured by goals from Macaulay Langstaff and a brace from Alassana Jatta, the Magpies got back to winning ways for the first time in over a month.
Prior to the match against the Bantams, Maynard made four changes to the team that drew with Accrington Stanley over the weekend. Two of the changes were enforced, with Aden Baldwin and the injured Sam Slocombe being replaced by Luca Ashby-Hammond and Jaden Warner.
During his brief time at the club, the new head coach of Notts has been criticised for his substitution policy and tendency to play games more cautiously and defensively.
In contrast to the early withdrawals of players like Jodi Jones and Dan Crowley in recent weeks, there was only one change made in the victory at University of Bradford Stadium with two minutes remaining, as Jim O’Brien took Jones’ place for the final few minutes.
Notts used to be able to depend on impact from the bench, but that hasn’t happened this season. Opta has the Magpies among the teams with the lowest goal contributions from their substitutes.
Notts County are among the lowest ranked for goal involvements by substitutes
When considering the modern game, statistics are rarely overanalyzed, but when you consider the impact of players the Magpies have used off the bench this season, the numbers are pretty concerning.
It’s becoming clear that substitutes are more crucial than ever. Players who come off the bench have had a huge impact this season because league games are longer and managers can insert five players.
With two months left in the season, the number of goals substitutes have scored in league action in England’s top four divisions (642 goals) has surpassed the total goals scored by substitutes in the English Football League (617 goals) in the previous season.
However, Notts has found it challenging to accomplish this. With only seven goal involvements from substitutes this season, Maynard’s team is currently ranked ninth lowest out of 92 teams in the English football pyramid.
Their last goal from a substitute can be found only a month ago, when Sam Austin assisted David McGoldrick in their thrilling 5-5 victory over Grimsby Town in February. Jim O’Brien scored a late consolation goal in a 3-1 loss to Crewe Alexandra.
This year, five League Two teams rank in the top 20 for the number of goals scored by substitutes. Mansfield Town, the rival team from the East Midlands, is ranked seventh with 10 goals and 10 assists from players who have come off the bench.
It should come as no surprise that Stockport County, Wrexham, and Barrow are among the best teams in England considering where they currently stand in the rankings. Colchester United, who are only one point above the relegation zone, is the lone exception.
Notts County problem is something Stuart Maynard and Luke Williams have struggled with
It’s safe to say that Maynard has had a challenging start to his career at Notts, and this issue is just one more thing that he and the team can address and resolve in the summer transfer window.
However, Luke Williams encountered difficulties during his tenure at Meadow Lane this season due to a pre-existing issue, but ultimately, there is only one thing to consider.
The Magpies’ first season back in the Football League after four years in the National League has not been made easier by injuries; three players who were essential to their success the previous season have missed the most of it.
While Cedwyn Scott hasn’t played this season, Matty Palmer and Geraldo Bajrami were both declared out for the entire season due to injuries sustained early in the campaign. However, Maynard is optimistic that the play-off final hero will make an appearance for the Magpies during their final eight league games.
Another player who has struggled with fitness is Junior Morias, who has only made 16 appearances since signing with Meadow Lane last March. Maynard has confirmed that the forward is dealing with family issues, which has prevented him from playing recently.
Despite having 28 players in their roster, Notts did bolster their roster in the January transfer window by adding Scott Robertson and Jatta. Unfortunately, injuries to their forward players are unavoidable in the football world.
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