Surprising Hyundai A-League penalty stats

Huge crowds, TV ratings and goals are on the rise in the Hyundai A-League 2016/17 season. But there is another part of the game also increasing.

As Opta Data shows, there has been a huge increase in the amount of penalties given during the opening five weeks of this campaign.

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In a fascinating stat, there have been more than double the amount of penalties awarded and scored this season compared to the same time in last year.

And it’s not just the quantity that has increased either.

While only three teams gave away spot kicks in the opening five rounds of last season, we’ve seen seven different clubs have penalties given against them this season.

Brisbane Roar, Western Sydney Wanderers and Melbourne City are the only clubs not to have had a penalty awarded against them in the 2016/17 Season. 

Wellington Phoenix (four) are the club that has been on the end of the most penalties, including two in the 6-1 loss to Melbourne Victory in Round 4.

At the other end of the spectrum, Perth Glory and Melbourne Victory (both three) have received the most spot-kicks, although both have missed with one attempt.

In all, eight different clubs have scored from the spot this season, with only Brisbane Roar and Newcastle Jets the clubs yet to receive a penalty in the first five rounds.    

It means on average this season there has been a penalty awarded every 1.9 Hyundai A-League games, compared to one in four at the same time in the 2015/16 Season. 

We will keep an eye on this interesting stat as the season unfolds.