These numbers are much better than anticipated. It is difficult to explain from the data we already have.

It's become more difficult than we anticipated.

more difficult than anticipated.

We've already got indisputable data.

It's turning out to be a difficult match like we anticipated.

The overall numbers were lower than anticipated. Quite a few of the candidates had to be contacted by the search firm. With that being said, quite a few of the candidates are qualified.