In a match that represented a fierce confrontation in the NIFL Premiership on December 8th, Crusaders FC secured a 1-0 victory over FC Carrick Rangers. Breaking down the game, the key statistical factors reveal a story beyond the scoresheet.

Notably, the solitary goal of the game was conceded by the Carrick Rangers in the first half, precisely at 00:44:11 on the clock, providing the Crusaders with an early advantage. This turned out to be decisive as the Crusaders managed to maintain their lead through the remaining game time.

From an aggressive standpoint, home team Carrick’s discipline was questionable. This is exemplified by the collection of three yellow cards, two of which were given in quick succession in the second half. This sequence, within a five-minute span between the 75th and 80th minute, could certainly have disrupted their rhythm and structure.

In contrast, the Crusaders received four yellow cards, yet, interestingly, their fouls were more spaced out in the second half. This might have helped them preserve their stability and defensive posture. Nevertheless, maintaining rigor towards the end of the game appears to be an area of improvement for both teams, considering the flurry of cards shown.

An unexpected finding comes from the corner kicks taken, where the Carrick Rangers had a higher number (3) compared to the Crusaders (2). However, the lack of goals yielded from these opportunities indicates room for enhancement in their set-piece execution.

Another significant contributing factor to the outcome was the offside count. The Crusaders' high number of offsides (6 against Carrick’s 3) didn’t deter them from maintaining their lead. This points towards their direct attacking approach and willingness to risk losing the ball in pursuit of goal-scoring opportunities.

Overall, the match was marked by disciplined defenses, sporadic counter-attacks, and, importantly, moments of timely aggression. However, the Crusaders performed better under pressure and capitalized on their chances in the key moments, something Carrick Rangers were unable to do despite superior corner stats and less offsides. This readiness to seize the moment can be traced back to the 44th minute when the Crusaders struck the decisive blow, ultimately influencing the overall match outcome.

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