Jota, Back On The Wing
A notable feature of the slightly chaotic win over Hibernian on Saturday last was the reappearance of the full fat Jota!
Not that there is a percent of excess baggage on the lad, more that this was the type of performance once has become accustomed to from the Portuguese.
Prior to an injury in October 2022, Jota had 0.67 expected scoring contributions (xSC) per 90 minutes (this is xG + xA).
Since then, it has dropped to 0.51.
Both are respectable but last seasons was 0.84. In 21 appearances post injury (he reappeared on 30th October, 2022), he has surpassed that average only twice.
But he has now smashed that figure in both the last two games. He racked up 0.9 xSC away to Heart of Midlothian in the cup, and a remarkable 2.16 versus Hibernian.
What was pleasing was that this last performance was more typical Jota.
We got a LOT. Of everything.
21 misplaced passes are his highest of the season. He lost the ball 11 times in the final third and failed to find a target with 15 crosses – the most of the season by four.
Seven shots are also a season high.
He registered a penalty goal to boost his xG but even so this was the Jota who is a volume machine.
Yes, lots of “fails” but 16 touches in the box (previous high was ten); four successful crosses (highest of season); 13 ball carries; a pack receive score of 100 (first of 100 or more post injury); and that xSC of 2.16 which is more than double his previous highest of the season.
Confidence? Fitness? Has anything changed?
Well, here’s hoping we have the real Jota back in time for the business end of the season.