Is football still decided on the pitch, or in the spreadsheets? In this episode of Strain on the Game, Stephen Warnock and Adrian Lamb dive into the rise of data-driven analysis in football. From possession percentages and expected goals (XG) to sprint counts and maximum speeds, numbers are shaping how pundits, coaches, and even fans see the game.

But does all this data actually make the sport better, or are we losing sight of the human side, instinct, creativity, and decision-making under pressure? We explore how stats are used inside Premier League clubs, what they reveal (and what they don’t), and the impact this “numbers game” has on players, coaches, and the future of football.