Oliver Hopkins
@oliverhopkins.bsky.social
Managing Editor at Opta Analyst
Written work: theanalyst.com/author/oliver-hopkins
Written work: theanalyst.com/author/oliver-hopkins
Arsenal have conceded 3 goals in 9 league games.
Currently on pace to concede just 12.6 goals across the entire season 🤯
Currently on pace to concede just 12.6 goals across the entire season 🤯
October 27, 2025 at 12:10 PM
Arsenal have conceded 3 goals in 9 league games.
Currently on pace to concede just 12.6 goals across the entire season 🤯
Currently on pace to concede just 12.6 goals across the entire season 🤯
Arsenal's defensive record this season could be record-breaking.
They've conceded 3 goals in 8 league games. At that rate, they could beat Chelsea's famous 15-goal season from 2004-05...
Can they do it? And what does it mean for their title hopes?
theanalyst.com/articles/ars...
They've conceded 3 goals in 8 league games. At that rate, they could beat Chelsea's famous 15-goal season from 2004-05...
Can they do it? And what does it mean for their title hopes?
theanalyst.com/articles/ars...
Arsenal Are On Course to Concede 14 Goals All Season: Can They Break Chelsea’s Record? | Opta Analyst
Arsenal kept yet another clean sheet at the weekend in their 1-0 win over Fulham. That puts them on course to break one of football’s most unbreakable defensive records.
theanalyst.com
October 21, 2025 at 11:11 AM
Arsenal's defensive record this season could be record-breaking.
They've conceded 3 goals in 8 league games. At that rate, they could beat Chelsea's famous 15-goal season from 2004-05...
Can they do it? And what does it mean for their title hopes?
theanalyst.com/articles/ars...
They've conceded 3 goals in 8 league games. At that rate, they could beat Chelsea's famous 15-goal season from 2004-05...
Can they do it? And what does it mean for their title hopes?
theanalyst.com/articles/ars...
Reposted by Oliver Hopkins
Bournemouth have scored 18 Premier League goals since mid-April.
Semenyo has either scored (10) or assisted (4) a ridiculous 77.7% of them.
Is he the best player in the Premier League right now? We look into the data to find out 📊🍒 theanalyst.com/articles/ant...
Semenyo has either scored (10) or assisted (4) a ridiculous 77.7% of them.
Is he the best player in the Premier League right now? We look into the data to find out 📊🍒 theanalyst.com/articles/ant...
Right Now, Antoine Semeyo is the Best Player in the Premier League | Opta Analyst
Antoine Semenyo is driving Bournemouth’s best-ever season. The stats prove he’s not just their star — he might be the Premier League’s most in-form player.
theanalyst.com
October 7, 2025 at 4:32 PM
Bournemouth have scored 18 Premier League goals since mid-April.
Semenyo has either scored (10) or assisted (4) a ridiculous 77.7% of them.
Is he the best player in the Premier League right now? We look into the data to find out 📊🍒 theanalyst.com/articles/ant...
Semenyo has either scored (10) or assisted (4) a ridiculous 77.7% of them.
Is he the best player in the Premier League right now? We look into the data to find out 📊🍒 theanalyst.com/articles/ant...
It's very hard to sum up a player like Declan Rice in only a few words, but I had a go for @optaanalyst.optajoe.com
He is one of the most complete midfielders in the world imo. And his performance against Newcastle showed that:
theanalyst.com/articles/dec...
He is one of the most complete midfielders in the world imo. And his performance against Newcastle showed that:
theanalyst.com/articles/dec...
Declan Rice’s Newcastle Masterclass Proves He is the Complete Midfielder | Opta Analyst
We examine the data that shows why is Declan Rice becoming Arsenal’s most complete – and possibly the Premier League's best – midfielder.
theanalyst.com
September 29, 2025 at 1:40 PM
It's very hard to sum up a player like Declan Rice in only a few words, but I had a go for @optaanalyst.optajoe.com
He is one of the most complete midfielders in the world imo. And his performance against Newcastle showed that:
theanalyst.com/articles/dec...
He is one of the most complete midfielders in the world imo. And his performance against Newcastle showed that:
theanalyst.com/articles/dec...
Reposted by Oliver Hopkins
Declan Rice vs Newcastle:
🔴 105 touches (1st)
🔴 75 passes completed (1st)
🔴 17 line-breaking passes (1st)
🔴 260m carried (1st)
🔴 11.3km covered (1st)
Arsenal’s midfielder is dominating all aspects of games. Is he the most complete midfielder in the Premier League?👇
theanalyst.com/articles/dec...
🔴 105 touches (1st)
🔴 75 passes completed (1st)
🔴 17 line-breaking passes (1st)
🔴 260m carried (1st)
🔴 11.3km covered (1st)
Arsenal’s midfielder is dominating all aspects of games. Is he the most complete midfielder in the Premier League?👇
theanalyst.com/articles/dec...
Declan Rice’s Newcastle Masterclass Proves He is the Complete Midfielder | Opta Analyst
We examine the data that shows why is Declan Rice becoming Arsenal’s most complete – and possibly the Premier League's best – midfielder.
theanalyst.com
September 29, 2025 at 1:37 PM
Declan Rice vs Newcastle:
🔴 105 touches (1st)
🔴 75 passes completed (1st)
🔴 17 line-breaking passes (1st)
🔴 260m carried (1st)
🔴 11.3km covered (1st)
Arsenal’s midfielder is dominating all aspects of games. Is he the most complete midfielder in the Premier League?👇
theanalyst.com/articles/dec...
🔴 105 touches (1st)
🔴 75 passes completed (1st)
🔴 17 line-breaking passes (1st)
🔴 260m carried (1st)
🔴 11.3km covered (1st)
Arsenal’s midfielder is dominating all aspects of games. Is he the most complete midfielder in the Premier League?👇
theanalyst.com/articles/dec...
The greatest England manager ever?
July 27, 2025 at 6:58 PM
The greatest England manager ever?
Rayan Cherki created more chances per 90 than any player in Europe’s top five leagues in 2024-25.
Last night, he dazzled for France on his debut.
No wonder Man City want him. I looked at the numbers behind his incredible campaign ✍️📊 theanalyst.com/articles/ray...
Last night, he dazzled for France on his debut.
No wonder Man City want him. I looked at the numbers behind his incredible campaign ✍️📊 theanalyst.com/articles/ray...
Rayan Cherki is Europe’s King of Chance Creation – It's Why Man City Want Him | Opta Analyst
Rayan Cherki’s dazzling 30-minute cameo on his international debut showed exactly why Manchester City are so keen to bring him to the Etihad Stadium.
theanalyst.com
June 6, 2025 at 7:42 PM
Rayan Cherki created more chances per 90 than any player in Europe’s top five leagues in 2024-25.
Last night, he dazzled for France on his debut.
No wonder Man City want him. I looked at the numbers behind his incredible campaign ✍️📊 theanalyst.com/articles/ray...
Last night, he dazzled for France on his debut.
No wonder Man City want him. I looked at the numbers behind his incredible campaign ✍️📊 theanalyst.com/articles/ray...
Since his debut, among all Premier League defenders, Gabriel has:
Most Goals (17)
Most Headers (12)
Most Clean Sheets (57)
Rock.
Most Goals (17)
Most Headers (12)
Most Clean Sheets (57)
Rock.
June 6, 2025 at 8:31 AM
Since his debut, among all Premier League defenders, Gabriel has:
Most Goals (17)
Most Headers (12)
Most Clean Sheets (57)
Rock.
Most Goals (17)
Most Headers (12)
Most Clean Sheets (57)
Rock.
A 26-pass goal, a suffocating high press and a goalkeeper who refused to be beaten.
Was so impressed with PSG last night. Here's how they executed the perfect away performance against Arsenal in their Champions League semi-final first leg for @optaanalyst.optajoe.com: theanalyst.com/2025/04/arse...
Was so impressed with PSG last night. Here's how they executed the perfect away performance against Arsenal in their Champions League semi-final first leg for @optaanalyst.optajoe.com: theanalyst.com/2025/04/arse...
Pressing, Poise and Parisian Control: The Blueprint Behind PSG’s Win Over Arsenal | Opta Analyst
PSG take a 1-0 lead into the second leg of their Champions League tie against Arsenal. We analyse how they overcame Mikel Arteta’s side.
theanalyst.com
April 30, 2025 at 9:37 AM
A 26-pass goal, a suffocating high press and a goalkeeper who refused to be beaten.
Was so impressed with PSG last night. Here's how they executed the perfect away performance against Arsenal in their Champions League semi-final first leg for @optaanalyst.optajoe.com: theanalyst.com/2025/04/arse...
Was so impressed with PSG last night. Here's how they executed the perfect away performance against Arsenal in their Champions League semi-final first leg for @optaanalyst.optajoe.com: theanalyst.com/2025/04/arse...
📈 143 PL goals
📉 Just 3 outside the box
🎯 1 title, 1 golden boot, 1 unforgettable legacy
Jamie Vardy’s having a leaving party — and here’s everything that made him a Premier League icon🦊
theanalyst.com/2025/04/jami...
📉 Just 3 outside the box
🎯 1 title, 1 golden boot, 1 unforgettable legacy
Jamie Vardy’s having a leaving party — and here’s everything that made him a Premier League icon🦊
theanalyst.com/2025/04/jami...
Jamie Vardy's Having a Leaving Party: The Premier League Stats Behind a Leicester Legend | Opta Analyst
Jamie Vardy has confirmed he will leave Leicester this summer when his contract expires. We analyse the data behind his remarkable career.
theanalyst.com
April 24, 2025 at 1:39 PM
📈 143 PL goals
📉 Just 3 outside the box
🎯 1 title, 1 golden boot, 1 unforgettable legacy
Jamie Vardy’s having a leaving party — and here’s everything that made him a Premier League icon🦊
theanalyst.com/2025/04/jami...
📉 Just 3 outside the box
🎯 1 title, 1 golden boot, 1 unforgettable legacy
Jamie Vardy’s having a leaving party — and here’s everything that made him a Premier League icon🦊
theanalyst.com/2025/04/jami...
Declan Rice's brilliant free-kicks were staggering – but Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Real Madrid was about so much more.
From Saka’s levels of performance to Lewis-Skelley’s maturity at 18, this was a true team performance.
My piece for @optaanalyst.optajoe.com theanalyst.com/2025/04/arse...
From Saka’s levels of performance to Lewis-Skelley’s maturity at 18, this was a true team performance.
My piece for @optaanalyst.optajoe.com theanalyst.com/2025/04/arse...
It Was Declan Rice’s Night, But This Perfect Arsenal Performance Was About the Collective | Opta Analyst
Arsenal delivered a statement performance at the Emirates to blow away Real Madrid and take control of their Champions League quarter-final.
theanalyst.com
April 9, 2025 at 11:51 AM
Declan Rice's brilliant free-kicks were staggering – but Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Real Madrid was about so much more.
From Saka’s levels of performance to Lewis-Skelley’s maturity at 18, this was a true team performance.
My piece for @optaanalyst.optajoe.com theanalyst.com/2025/04/arse...
From Saka’s levels of performance to Lewis-Skelley’s maturity at 18, this was a true team performance.
My piece for @optaanalyst.optajoe.com theanalyst.com/2025/04/arse...
The Premier League run-in is here. Some teams have a dream schedule, others an absolute nightmare. Used the Opta Power Rankings to break down who has the easiest and hardest fixtures left...
theanalyst.com/2025/03/prem...
theanalyst.com/2025/03/prem...
The Premier League is Back – How Difficult Are Every Team's Remaining Games? | Opta Analyst
As the race for Champions League qualification intensifies, we analyse the fixture difficulty of each Premier League club’s remaining games.
theanalyst.com
March 31, 2025 at 11:51 AM
The Premier League run-in is here. Some teams have a dream schedule, others an absolute nightmare. Used the Opta Power Rankings to break down who has the easiest and hardest fixtures left...
theanalyst.com/2025/03/prem...
theanalyst.com/2025/03/prem...
Reposted by Oliver Hopkins
Crystal Palace finally brought their away form home, thrashing Aston Villa 4-1 at Selhurst Park.
At the heart of it was Adam Wharton, who marked his first start in nearly four months with a commanding midfield display.
✍️ @oliverhopkins.bsky.social
theanalyst.com/2025/02/adam...
At the heart of it was Adam Wharton, who marked his first start in nearly four months with a commanding midfield display.
✍️ @oliverhopkins.bsky.social
theanalyst.com/2025/02/adam...
How Adam Wharton's Crystal Palace Return Helped Banish Selhurst Park Struggles | Opta Analyst
At the heart of Palace's victory against Villa was Adam Wharton, who marked his first start in nearly four months with a commanding midfield display.
theanalyst.com
February 26, 2025 at 1:30 PM
Crystal Palace finally brought their away form home, thrashing Aston Villa 4-1 at Selhurst Park.
At the heart of it was Adam Wharton, who marked his first start in nearly four months with a commanding midfield display.
✍️ @oliverhopkins.bsky.social
theanalyst.com/2025/02/adam...
At the heart of it was Adam Wharton, who marked his first start in nearly four months with a commanding midfield display.
✍️ @oliverhopkins.bsky.social
theanalyst.com/2025/02/adam...
Nice to see Burnley owner Alan Pace sharing the love on my latest story for @optaanalyst.optajoe.com
I’m very invested in their defensive record now 😂
I’m very invested in their defensive record now 😂
February 5, 2025 at 10:11 PM
Nice to see Burnley owner Alan Pace sharing the love on my latest story for @optaanalyst.optajoe.com
I’m very invested in their defensive record now 😂
I’m very invested in their defensive record now 😂
More isn’t always better…
I looked at the data behind the new Champions League format.
Has it really worked?
I looked at the data behind the new Champions League format.
Has it really worked?
➖ More one-sided scorelines
➖ Fewer draws than ever
➖ Less jeopardy
➕ More variety
Now that the league phase is over, we look at the data to asses whether the new Champions League format has worked... 👇 theanalyst.com/2025/01/cham...
➖ Fewer draws than ever
➖ Less jeopardy
➕ More variety
Now that the league phase is over, we look at the data to asses whether the new Champions League format has worked... 👇 theanalyst.com/2025/01/cham...
'Every Game Counts': Has the New Champions League Format Worked? | Opta Analyst
With the 36-team league phase now over, we look at the data to assess whether the new Champions League format has been a success.
theanalyst.com
January 30, 2025 at 2:24 PM
More isn’t always better…
I looked at the data behind the new Champions League format.
Has it really worked?
I looked at the data behind the new Champions League format.
Has it really worked?
Man City set to play Bayern or Real Madrid as things stand ☠️☠️
January 29, 2025 at 9:46 PM
Man City set to play Bayern or Real Madrid as things stand ☠️☠️
Reposted by Oliver Hopkins
Myles Lewis-Skelly leads all Premier League players this season for duel success rate (72.2%).
Declan Rice even compared his strength to Moussa Dembele.
✍️ @oliverhopkins.bsky.social on why last night's game against Tottenham was his coming of age moment:
theanalyst.com/2025/01/myle...
Declan Rice even compared his strength to Moussa Dembele.
✍️ @oliverhopkins.bsky.social on why last night's game against Tottenham was his coming of age moment:
theanalyst.com/2025/01/myle...
Why North London Derby Was a Coming-of-Age Game for Arsenal’s “Ridiculous” Myles Lewis-Skelly | Opta Analyst
In Arsenal's win against Tottenham in the north London derby, no player stood out more than the youngest player on the pitch: Myles Lewis-Skelly.
theanalyst.com
January 16, 2025 at 1:15 PM
Myles Lewis-Skelly leads all Premier League players this season for duel success rate (72.2%).
Declan Rice even compared his strength to Moussa Dembele.
✍️ @oliverhopkins.bsky.social on why last night's game against Tottenham was his coming of age moment:
theanalyst.com/2025/01/myle...
Declan Rice even compared his strength to Moussa Dembele.
✍️ @oliverhopkins.bsky.social on why last night's game against Tottenham was his coming of age moment:
theanalyst.com/2025/01/myle...
Mo Salah (82) now has more Premier League assists than David Beckham (80)
December 29, 2024 at 7:02 PM
Mo Salah (82) now has more Premier League assists than David Beckham (80)
Is Antonee Robinson the best left back in the Premier League right now?
A piece for @optaanalyst.optajoe.com that looks at the data behind his blistering speed, lung-busting overlaps, and growing defensive maturity:
theanalyst.com/2024/12/anto...
A piece for @optaanalyst.optajoe.com that looks at the data behind his blistering speed, lung-busting overlaps, and growing defensive maturity:
theanalyst.com/2024/12/anto...
Relentless, Rapid, Reliable: The Rise of Antonee Robinson at Fulham | Opta Analyst
Antonee Robinson's blistering speed, overlaps, and growing defensive maturity make him a weapon Marco Silva can’t do without.
theanalyst.com
December 17, 2024 at 1:52 PM
Is Antonee Robinson the best left back in the Premier League right now?
A piece for @optaanalyst.optajoe.com that looks at the data behind his blistering speed, lung-busting overlaps, and growing defensive maturity:
theanalyst.com/2024/12/anto...
A piece for @optaanalyst.optajoe.com that looks at the data behind his blistering speed, lung-busting overlaps, and growing defensive maturity:
theanalyst.com/2024/12/anto...
+2 tonight! Such a weapon
Arsenal have scored 20 corner goals since last season—five more than any other team. The secret?
Blocking, decoys, crowded boxes, and Gabriel’s absurd aerial dominance.
I break it all down here for @optaanalyst.optajoe.com
theanalyst.com/2024/12/gabr...
Blocking, decoys, crowded boxes, and Gabriel’s absurd aerial dominance.
I break it all down here for @optaanalyst.optajoe.com
theanalyst.com/2024/12/gabr...
Blocking, Decoys and Brute Force: How Arsenal Unleash Gabriel At Corners | Opta Analyst
Arsenal are the most dangerous Premier League team from set-pieces. Here's how they unleash Gabriel at corner situations.
theanalyst.com
December 4, 2024 at 9:47 PM
+2 tonight! Such a weapon
Arsenal have scored 20 corner goals since last season—five more than any other team. The secret?
Blocking, decoys, crowded boxes, and Gabriel’s absurd aerial dominance.
I break it all down here for @optaanalyst.optajoe.com
theanalyst.com/2024/12/gabr...
Blocking, decoys, crowded boxes, and Gabriel’s absurd aerial dominance.
I break it all down here for @optaanalyst.optajoe.com
theanalyst.com/2024/12/gabr...
Blocking, Decoys and Brute Force: How Arsenal Unleash Gabriel At Corners | Opta Analyst
Arsenal are the most dangerous Premier League team from set-pieces. Here's how they unleash Gabriel at corner situations.
theanalyst.com
December 3, 2024 at 6:10 PM
Arsenal have scored 20 corner goals since last season—five more than any other team. The secret?
Blocking, decoys, crowded boxes, and Gabriel’s absurd aerial dominance.
I break it all down here for @optaanalyst.optajoe.com
theanalyst.com/2024/12/gabr...
Blocking, decoys, crowded boxes, and Gabriel’s absurd aerial dominance.
I break it all down here for @optaanalyst.optajoe.com
theanalyst.com/2024/12/gabr...
Arsenal only take corners one way, but boy are they good at them:
December 3, 2024 at 12:43 PM
Arsenal only take corners one way, but boy are they good at them:
Reposted by Oliver Hopkins
Arsenal's Corner King 👑
Since the start of last season, Arsenal have scored more corner goals than any other PL team. Gabriel has 5 of them.
We analyse how they unleash him through:
— Inswingers
— Blocking
— Crowding the area
✍️ @oliverhopkins.bsky.social
theanalyst.com/2024/12/gabr...
Since the start of last season, Arsenal have scored more corner goals than any other PL team. Gabriel has 5 of them.
We analyse how they unleash him through:
— Inswingers
— Blocking
— Crowding the area
✍️ @oliverhopkins.bsky.social
theanalyst.com/2024/12/gabr...
Blocking, Decoys and Brute Force: How Arsenal Unleash Gabriel At Corners | Opta Analyst
Arsenal are the most dangerous Premier League team from set-pieces. Here's how they unleash Gabriel at corner situations.
theanalyst.com
December 3, 2024 at 12:24 PM
Arsenal's Corner King 👑
Since the start of last season, Arsenal have scored more corner goals than any other PL team. Gabriel has 5 of them.
We analyse how they unleash him through:
— Inswingers
— Blocking
— Crowding the area
✍️ @oliverhopkins.bsky.social
theanalyst.com/2024/12/gabr...
Since the start of last season, Arsenal have scored more corner goals than any other PL team. Gabriel has 5 of them.
We analyse how they unleash him through:
— Inswingers
— Blocking
— Crowding the area
✍️ @oliverhopkins.bsky.social
theanalyst.com/2024/12/gabr...
'Indirect free-kick inside the box' klaxon! The one situation where the professional game descends into pure, school boy chaos
December 1, 2024 at 1:55 PM
'Indirect free-kick inside the box' klaxon! The one situation where the professional game descends into pure, school boy chaos