So, we have now had a decent amount of the Premier League season therefore I think it’s a good time to have a little look at how things are going. For this article, I will be looking at goalscorers in the EPL this season.
The goalscorers mentioned here are not based on their past reputation or transfer value. Instead, we are purely looking at the goals they have scored and their contribution to their team in terms of total team goals – so that’s why they are the most important.
So, now we have that out of the way, let’s get stuck into my choices…
1.
Jermain Defoe (Sunderland)
Jermain Defoe is not the highest goalscorer in the Premier League – but his value to Sunderland is absolutely clear. So far, he has scored four of Sunderland’s six goals that they have managed this season. No other player has made such a high contribution in the league.
The Black Cats have had a poor start to the season and currently sit bottom of the table – but if they do stay up then Defoe’s goals will be a critical element. Last season it was the former England striker’s form that kept the team in the league, and history could well prove to repeat itself if the team can improve their form.
2. Michail Antonio (West Ham)
The next player on the list is West Ham winger Michail Antonio who has scored five of his team’s total goals of eight, meaning that he has a 63% goal contribution.
There is always a lot of talk about strikers scoring goals, but players that aren’t strikers can be more valuable.
West Ham have made a poor start to the season and currently find themselves in the relegation zone. Antonio is a very valuable player for them and he is certainly carrying on his excellent work from last season.
There is no doubt the player has adapted quickly to the Premier League after previously being a Championship player.
In addition, his performances mean he is on the verge of winning his first England cap.
3. Diego Costa (Chelsea)
Diego Costa is actually the leading scorer in the Premier League and has scored six of Chelsea’s total goals of 12.
The previous two items in this list relate to clubs that may well find themselves in a relegation fight this season – but that certainly is not going to be the case for Chelsea. The London club are amongst a number of teams that could win the title – but they have work to do at the moment. One thing we can say though is that the champions must have a top quality striker – so that box seems to have been ticked in Chelsea's favour.
4. Romelu Lukaku (Everton)
Everton’s start to the season has surprised many and hopes remain high that they can qualify for Champions League football this season. A lot of us are aware of the talent that Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku has and he certainly would have considered leaving the club during the summer.
However, he has certainly been putting some great performances together this season and has scored five of Everton’s total goals of 10, representing 50%. The former Chelsea striker has certainly put himself in a good position to be the leading scorer in the Premier League this season. Clearly if Everton are successful in getting into the Champions League, then Lukaku will be keen to stay put.
5. Son Heung-Min (Spurs)
Spurs are another one of those teams that look in very good shape. Most people would likely say that they are another one of those teams capable of being champions this season.
Son Heung-Min is a curious case as the player that didn’t have the best of times last season and looked like he might be on the way out during the summer. However, following the injury to Harry Kane, the South Korean star has taken up the goalscoring burden by scoring four of Spurs’ 11 goals.
