Goals are necessary to win a football game. On the pitch, it is often finishing that makes the difference between the thrill of a goal or the despair of a miss. Our algos worked furiously and the result is the Top 10 Finishers list we present here. Below we comment on some of the players.
Harvey Barnes tops our list of Top 10 Finshers. This Newcastle winger probably hasn’t played as often as he’d like since joining the club. However, the stats indicate he’s made the most of his goal-scoring chances. If Harvey Barnes can find a more consistent spot in the Newcastle starting 11, surely his proven efficiency would let him showcase his scoring ability.
At third is Diogo Jota. This was the best finishing season that he’s had in the Premier League. According to Opta, Jota scored 10 league goals last year from 5 xG, which is a crazy overperformance. We would expect to see some heavy regression this season but with Jota, you never know he is a true analytics star.
At #4 is Leandro Trossard. Arsenal’s utility forward may not feature in the Gunners’ starting 11 as frequently as he may expect, but he needs no invitation to finish his chances when they come. For an Arsenal squad that arguably lacks pure, old-fashioned #9, expect Trossard to continue to finish his chances and make up for the shortfalls Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus may leave in the attacking third.
Aston Villa’s Jamaican winger Leon Bailey is fifth. He was vital to the club’s top 4 finish last season. If the club’s success is to continue, they’ll rely on Leon Bailey to continue his efficiency in front of goal. Bailey has an electric pace and can find himself in so many different goalscoring scenarios which allows him to be dynamic in his shot selection.
Perhaps Timo Werner, who comes in at #6, has escaped his reputation for wasting chances in front of goal. Only a few years ago, it seemed Timo was missing easy chances every week for Chelsea. Hopefully, the German can increase both his minutes played, and goals scored this season.
#7 is Alexander Isak of Newcastle. This superstar managed 21 goals in 30 matches last season. With Anthony Gordon, Miguel Almiron, and Kieran Trippier serving him chances in front of goal, Isak will surely continue to make the most of his chances.