Sport
Time to adjust
Over £375m of prizes across the new football season. 18+
With 2 weeks left until the start of the 2018-19 season, it’s time to start thinking about the Premier League.
In this article, we look at 4 strikers that were imported last season who (it could be argued) failed to impress. But, we think they have the ability to raise the bar this term.
Let’s begin…
Alexandre Lacazette
2017-18 League statistics
Appearances: 26 (6)
Goals: 14
Goals per game: 0.44
Shots per game: 2.1
Assists: 4
Assists per game: 0.13
Long courted by Wenger and Arsenal, Lacazette appeared to hit the ground running in his first few appearances after finally pulling on the red shirt, he even scored in the opening minutes of his home debut against Leicester. But, as the season ran on and his then manager Arsene Wenger’s time ran out, he was in and out of the side due to tactical changes/injury, looking like a man who’s confidence had taken a severe hit. Head down, shoulders sunken and facing new competition for his starting place due to the January arrival of his replacement as Arsenal’s record signing, Pierre Emerick Aubameyang – was it the beginning of the end for Laca? Well, no. Fresh after the summer break after being left in the wilderness for the World Cup and under the fresh leadership of Emery, we reckon he will get a decent crack at the whip this season and be used effectively in a high pressing side. Maybe a dark horse for the golden boot…
Predicted number of Premier League goals this season: 21
Alvaro Morata
2017-18 League statistics
Appearances: 24 (7)
Goals: 11
Goals per game: 0.35
Shots per game: 2.5
Assists: 6
Assists per game: 0.19
Signed for £60 million from Real Madrid, Morata got off to a promising start. He netted on his debut against Burnley (albeit in a game that Chelsea lost), scored a terrific hat-trick at Stoke and bagged the winner against Man Utd at Stamford Bridge in November. He developed a near-telepathic relationship with compatriot Azpilicueta; being assisted six times in the league last season.
Unfortunately for Alvaro, he tailed off in the second half of the season, not helped by series of injuries which seemed to dent his confidence.
There are rumours of a move to Italy, but we think he’ll remain a Chelsea player next season and, if he can stay fit, could be a pivotal player as Chelsea look to bounce back after a dismal 2017-18 campaign.
Predicted number of Premier League goals this season: 19
Cenk Tosun
2017-18 League statistics
Appearances: 12 (2)
Goals: 5
Goals per game: 0.36
Shots per game: 1.4
Assists: 0
Assists per game: 0.00
Tosun joined Everton in Janury for around £27 million. Prior to that he’d been plying his trade at Besiktas, helping them to top a Champions League group containing Porto, RB Leipzig and Monaco – scoring 4 goals in the process.
He faced criticism early in his Everton career but steadily improved as Everton lost just twice in their final nine games, managing an 8th-placed finish.
Cenk Toun could thrive under recently appointed Marco Silva and alongside new teammate Richarlison. He’s had time to settle and should be fresh after a summer off. We think he has all the tools to succeed in the Premier League.
Predicted number of Premier League goals this season: 18
Javier Hernandez
2017-18 League statistics
Appearances: 16 (12)
Goals: 8
Goals per game: 0.29
Shots per game: 1.00
Assists: 0
Assists per game: 0.00
Considering he had a previous spell in England with Man Utd, it’s fair to say Chicharito under-performed with West Ham last season. More worrying than his lack of goals was his inability to combine with his teammates – tallying zero assists in the league.
On a positive note, he’s coming off the back of a strong showing at the World Cup with Mexico which should put some fight back in him. Plus, West Ham have shown good ambition with their signings this summer, adding Jack Wilshere, Andriy Yarmolenko and Felipe Anderson who should all help to provide more chances for Hernandez.
We think he’s nailed on to make a substantial improvement in his second season with the East London outfit.
Predicted number of Premier League goals this season: 15
Over £375m of prizes across the new football season. 18+
