The 5 Worst Strikers In The Premier League This Season (Based On xG)

David Tully

7 months ago

Categories: Galleries, West Ham United News

Tags: Arsenal, aston villa, Brentford, Brighton, Chelsea, Everton, Fulham, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Newcastle United, Sheffield United, Southampton, Spurs, West Ham, Wolves

After looking at the worst performing goalkeepers a few weeks ago, we will now move on to assessing the worst strikers in the Premier League.

For this list, we will be comparing a forward’s actual goals scored with their xG figures.

There are some high-profile stars currently playing for the likes of Tottenham, Chelsea and Manchester United in our top 5.

Press the next page as we list the most out-of-form forwards in the Premier League (based on stats from FBRef).

5) Jordan Ayew – Crystal Palace (-1.5 Goals compared to xG)

The Ghanaian is not known for his goalscoring but he has missed his fair share of opportunities so far this campaign.

Ayew has yet to hit the back of the net for Palace, but manager Roy Hodgson has started him in all 9 league games.

The 32-year-old does contribute in other ways. He has provided 2 assists, and he is known for his high work rate.

However, the Eagles have scored just once in their last 5 games in all competitions, and they need someone to start firing in front of goal. Ayew’s poor finishing, however, suggests he won’t be the one to step up.

4) Richarlison – Tottenham (-1.7 Goals)

The Spurs forward has spoken publicly about his mental health, which has undoubtedly had an impact on his scoring.

Since moving to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last year, Richarlison has only hit the back of the net 5 times.

This season, the Brazilian international has gotten off the mark in the league with a goal against Sheffield United.

However, Richarlison is continuing to miss his fair share of chances. It remains to be seen whether he can regain his confidence.

3) Jacob Brown – Luton Town (-1.9 Goals)

The Hatters signed the 25-year-old from Stoke City in the summer and he hasn’t hit the ground running.

In 9 Premier League appearances, Brown has yet to score, although his xG stats suggest he could have had at least 2 goals.

It should be pointed out that the Scotland international has never played at the top level in his career.

Like many of his Luton teammates, Brown is finding the jump to the Premier League a difficult one to handle.

=1) Nicolas Jackson – Chelsea (-2.1 Goals)

The Blues knew they were getting a raw talent when they spent £32m to bring the striker in from Villarreal in the summer.

Jackson had not been a prolific scorer at any level, until a purple patch at the end of last season brought him to the attention of scouts.

That erratic finishing has been on show since his arrival in English football. The talent is clearly there but he is nowhere near the complete package yet.

Chelsea were rather naive to think that he could be their first-choice No.9 this season, and it is believed they have already acknowledged their mistake, with reports suggesting another forward will be bought in January.

=1) Marcus Rashford – Manchester United (-2.1 Goals)

The England forward has had a very disappointing start to the season.

After bagging 17 league goals in 35 appearances in 2022/23, many were expecting Rashford to kick on and become a consistent scorer.

However, things haven’t turned out that way so far, with the winger having hit the back of the net just once in 9 matches.

At 25 years of age, Rashford is now in his prime but he is still very hot and cold in front of goal.