Home advantage is often quoted as a truism in football. Yet, statistically that advantage isn't as great as some may think. For example, the percentage of home wins across a typical Premier League season usually comes in around 45-47% (approx. 25-26% draws, 27-29% away wins). Crystal Palace, for example, have taken more points away from home across the 2018/19 season than at Selhurst Park.
However, some teams simply rip it up in their own stadiums, and we have crunched the numbers across the 92 football league teams to find the best this season. Below are the top fortresses in the English football over the past nine months. Incidentally, notice the huge drop off in win percentage when comparing the top Premier League teams and EFL teams.
Etihad Stadium
Manchester City Win % = 94.73%
Unsurprisingly, Manchester City have the best win percentage of any team across the leagues, dropping points just once (a 3-2 defeat to Crystal Palace in December) this season. Outstanding. It's by a far the best home record of any team in Europe's big five leagues this season.
Anfield
Liverpool Win %* = 88.88%
Fine margins have defined the title race between Manchester City and Liverpool, with pundits finding it difficult to call a winner right up to the final day. While unbeaten at Anfield since January 2017, Liverpool may rue the two draws at home this season, especially the stalemate against Leicester City.
*Liverpool still have one more home game to play in the league this season, a win would bring the win percentage up to 89.5%.
Emirates
Arsenal Win % = 73.8%
Arsenal haven't had a great season, although Unai Emery should be afforded time to get things right. Home form, however, has been a huge part of the reason that they were kept in the Top 4 race right to the end.
Kenilworth Road
Luton Town Win % = 69%
The League One champions can thank a brilliant home support at Kenilworth Road, as the Hatters were cheered on to their second promotion in two seasons. Can they surprise in the Championship next season? Home form might be key.
The Valley
Charlton Athletic Win % = 69.56%
Many betting sites have Charlton Athletic as favourites to win the upcoming League One Playoffs, with 888sport citing 21/10 that the Addicks get back to the Championship. They have been brilliant since the turn of the year, especially at home, so you could see them triumphing ahead of Portsmouth (9/4), Sunderland (5/2) and Doncaster (5/1).
Bramall Lane
Sheffield United Win % = 65.21%
The Blades were arguably the biggest success story across all divisions this season, gaining automatic promotion ahead of several Championship clubs with vastly superior resources. They were quietly excellent all season, but Bramall Lane, where they were miserly in defence, helped them get to the Premier League with room to spare.
Carrow Road
Norwich City Win % = 65.21%
Almost everything written about Sheffield United above can be applied to Norwich, except that the Canaries were able to add slightly better away form to finish the season as champions. Keeping Carrow Road as a tough place to visit will be key to Premier League survival next season.
Gigg Lane
Bury Win % = 60.85%
Bury got automatic promotion to League One with a lot of help from the Gigg Lane faithful. It's one of the oldest stadiums in the football league, having been built in 1885, but it was rocking thoughout the 2018/19 season.
Rodney Parade
Newport County Win % = 60.85%
By a considerable distance, Newport are the lowest ranked team on this list. They finished 7th in League Two, yet home form (and they were fairly abject away from the Rodney Arena) has helped them qualify for the Playoffs. They are 9/2 outsiders with 888sport to win promotion, but that fine form has at least given them a shot.
