That matters – the result
was privileged enough to be in his company on a number of occasions.
“It was particularly special to be with him at a Football Writers’ tribute dinner last year and wish him well on his 80th birthday.
“Gordon spoke to the room about that incredible save from Pele against Brazil back in 1970 and moments like that from his remarkable World Cup-winning career will continue to linger long in the memory.
“On behalf of everyone connected with England, I send my condolences to his wife Ursula, his family and friends.”
Banks, who is survived by his wife Ursula and their children Robert, Wendy and Julia, had served as Stoke’s club president since 2000, and chairman Peter Coates paid
“I am trying to help them so they don’t make so many mistakes on the pitch.
“But when you are playing against Arsenal you are always going to have situations where they find space – just look at their players.”
The quality of the two team’s chances could provide an explanation as well.
The majority – eight – of Town’s shots came from outside the 18-yard tribute to a man who helped the Potters win the League Cup in 1972.
Presenter and former England striker Gary Lineker tweeted: “Oh no. Gordon Banks, an absolute hero of mine, and countless others, has died. @England’s World Cup winner was one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, and such a lovely, lovely man. R.I.P. Gordon”
Ex-England striker Michael Owen tweeted: “Sad to hear that Gordon Banks has passed away at the age of 81. Had the pleasure of meeting him a number of times and he was one of the game’s true gentlemen, not to mention one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time. Rest In Peace.”
Peter Shilton, who followed Banks as England number one, tweeted: “I’m devastated – today I’ve lost my hero. R.I.P. Gordon.” box, while all of Arsenal’s attempts were taken from inside.
As a result, Arsenal ended up with a greater Expected Goals ratio (XG) – the amount of goals a team can statistically be expected to score – than Town, at 1.47 to 1.16.
Improving the quality of chances, alongside cutting out errors in defence, would have probably handed Town the victory the match stats say they deserved.