Data dive: The numbers behind Shelbourne's rise

The SSE Airtricity League Premier Division's only unbeaten run came to an end last week, with Shelbourne the last runner to fall. However, over the longer distance, Damien Duff's team have shown they possess the staying power to mount a title challenge.

League titles are not won in a single game and Shels have shown the consistency to be taken seriously not just in the first 10 games of this season, but over the last calendar year.

From a year ago, they have improved dramatically, becoming a dark horse by setting the early pace by displaying many characteristics of champion teams. But can they maintain these characteristics and go all the way?

Longevity

Taking the previous 36 games played by all teams, Shelbourne come a close second to Shamrock Rovers, five points behind, with one loss less and just two more goals conceded.

Although their points total of 68 would only be good enough to win the title in the 2004 and 2010 seasons of the summer era, we are seeing a more competitive league in recent seasons.

Shamrock Rovers points per game of exactly two in 2023 was the lowest of a champion since 2010 and their 2021 and 2022 figure lower than any season between 2013 and 2020. They have already dropped double the number of points lost in 2020, with just half the games played.

Where Shels show up best is how difficult they are to beat. Four losses in the past year are fewer than nine summer-era champions and equal to four. That is based on their defensive record, conceding 0.78 goals per game is better than four previous winners.

Last 36 games

Team

Wins

Losses

For

Against

GD

Points

Shamrock Rovers

21

5

63

26

37

73

Shelbourne

18

4

50

28

22

68

Derry City

18

7

60

27

33

65

St. Pat's

18

13

51

36

15

59

Goalscoring

The area where Shels are most behind where they need to