Reading follow in City's scoring path

Between 2002 and 2005, Premier League side Arsenal topped the average scoring classification of goals in the English game.

But, the top goal-getters of 2005/06 were The Championship winners Reading who have followed in the footsteps of the last second grade top scorers - Manchester City in 2001-02.

In 2002, Man. City finished with a total of 108 goals (average 2.35). Reading managed 99 goals for a mean of 2.15.

In the top flight the scoring total of 944 is 31 down on the previous campaign. From the remaining divisions only League Two showed an increase.

The general total score aggregate of 5,061 is 154 less than the preceding season.

Premiership clubs that showed an increase on their former total were Blackburn, Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham, while Bolton, Chelsea and Newcastle remained on the same amount as in 2004. The biggest increase is that of Blackburn - 19 more nettings on the previous year.

The total of 5,061 goals in digits by the end of season 2005-06 read:

Premiership: 944 - an average of 2.48 goals per match (previous season: 975 - average 2.56).

The Championship: 1,341 - an average of 2.43 goals per game (previous season: 1,342 - average 2.43).

League One: 1,384 - an average of 2.51 goals per match (previous season: 1,551 - average 2.81).

League Two: 1,392 - an average of 2.52 goals per game (previous season: 1,347 - average 2.44).