Putting the ball in the back of the net is often called the toughest task in football and these five names have found it rather challenging this season.
In recent years, Expected Goals (xG) has become the go-to data for stat boffins, measuring the quality of goalscoring chances and the likelihood of them being scored.
It’s become popularised in the football lexicon and widely used to judge the standard of finishing. Here are the five Premier League players with the biggest underperformance so far this season.
The Premier League’s biggest xG underperformers
5. Cameron Archer (Southampton) – 1.67xG underperformance
Southampton snapped up Cameron Archer in the summer as the Saints sought to add firepower to their newly promoted side. Despite a tough season at Sheffield United, Archer – who boasts a fine record for England at u-21 level – showed signs of finishing ability.
It’s been a mixed start for Archer at Southampton, however, with the 22-year-old having netted just once in seven games. His 1.67 xG underperformance is the fifth-largest in the Premier League, which includes a missed penalty against Manchester United.
Andre Onana stops Cameron Archer from 12 yards 🤩
A brilliant chance for Southampton to take the lead early on 🫣
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/sZYoUbQOZ9
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) September 14, 2024
4. Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace) – 1.7xG underperformance
Crystal Palace have been unable to carry their form from last season’s run-in into the new campaign, opening the season with a seven-game winless run.
Eberechi Eze has been trying, and trying, to turn things around for the Eagles and has averaged 3.9 shots per game, with only Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo and Manchester City’s Erling Haaland averaging more. He’s scored just once, however, leading to an xG underperformance of 1.7.
3. Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United) – 1.9xG underperformance
Bruno Fernandes is another who has been desperately trying to change the fortunes of his team, though the Manchester United captain has struggled around goal.
No player has taken more shots (18) without scoring in the Premier League this season, with Fernandes’ underperformance of 1.9xG a statistic he will be desperate to improve. United have scored just five league goals in seven games in 2024/25 – only Southampton (4) have managed less.
2. Dominic Solanke (Tottenham) – 2.0xG underperformance
Domonic Solanke has made a largely positive start in a Spurs shirt, with two goals and an assist from five appearances and another goal and assist in the Europa League. Spurs broke their transfer record to sign the striker in the summer, in the hope the 27-year-old can replicate the performances that brought 19 league goals for Bournemouth last season.
He’s underperformed his xG by -2.0 so far this season, though the positive should be that the £65m recruit is finding himself in good goalscoring areas.
1. Adama Traore (Fulham) – 2.2xG underperformance
Adama Traore has always been a frustrating watch. The Spaniard’s explosive mix of speed and strength can make him untouchable at his best, though the end product has often been lacking.
Pep Guardiola couldn’t help himself at full-time 🤣
Adama Traore missed three big chances against Manchester City, so Pep went to offer some tips. pic.twitter.com/1O4Z7dIzj2
— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) October 7, 2024
Traore’s xG underperformance is the biggest in the Premier League so far this season, wit the Fulham winger again guilty of missing chances he really should have scored. Some glaring misses at Manchester City last weekend have seen him climb to the top of this dishonourable list.
Read – The Premier League players with the most goal involvements for one club
See more – The Premier League players leading the stats after gameweek 7 of 2024/25
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