STATS & FACTS: Three things that caught our eye in Mayo's loss to Donegal

INEFFICIENT SHOOTING

It wasn't even the overall first 25 minutes that killed Mayo's chances to win the game, as Andy Moran analysed after the match.

In total Mayo's shot efficiency over the full 70 minutes was lower than usual.

But there are two different patterns emerging from looking at the data in the first half and the second separately.

As can be seen, Mayo only pulled the trigger ten times in the first half. It took Andy Moran's men more than ten minutes to register their first attempt.

That in itself wouldn't be a huge problem, if the men in green and red had produced a good yield off those shots. But only five points in the entire first half on a 40 percent efficiency - especially in the new game - was a burden for the second half.

Even more so as Donegal's productivity on 14 attempts stood at an impressive 0-11. Jim McGuinness' men had a total of 11/14 efficiency in the first half. In numbers: 78.6 percent.

And also, three Mayo attempts for two points from open play went wide. An area that has seen improvement so far this season, but wasn't a factor in Letterkenny on Sunday.

The second half offered more clues as to why Mayo couldn't keep their unbeaten start into the league campaign.

The players clearly upped the ante and put Donegal under serious pressure, forcing many turnovers, especially early in the second half.

Also, Mayo played more possession based, less direct kicking football, which worked out better for them against a Donegal side well prepared to defend the high balls.

Looking at the shot chart, we can detect four clear goal chances for Mayo. Conor Loftus, twice Darragh Beirne and Ryan O'Donoghue from a bit further out, had decent goal chances. 

If only two of those had gone in, Mayo would've given themselves a shot at winning the game. All other interpretations aside, Mayo created the chances and made Donegal look vulnerable.

Low shot efficiency from close range proved to be decisive in the second half: 9/19 resulting in a 47.3 percent efficiency was improved from the first half, but not good enough.

Side note: Just like against Dublin, very few frees were awarded to Mayo. Only one two-point free in 70 minutes. It seems like teams are deliberately learning lessons and avoid fouling in that area.