Now that the season has concluded and the fate of each team has been sealed, fans can breathe a sigh of relief after what felt like a boundless schedule. Of course the mid-season winter World Cup has a lot to answer for, but now the pressure has lifted, we can start looking back at the biggest winners and losers over the past year. Join us as we take a slight dig at some of the more wasteful and wayward not-so-sharpshooters in our guide to the Premier League‘s worst finishers from this season.
- This list is based on xG (expected goals) in comparison to a given player’s actual output.
- We have excluded penalties from their respective goal tallies.
- Despite rounding off the season as Chelsea’s top scorer, Kai Havertz’s dismal conversion rate sees him top the list.
Premier League’s Worst Finishers 2022/23
10. Alexis Mac Allister (Brighton)
Perhaps Brighton’s most important cog in Roberto De Zerbi’s well-oiled machine this term, Alexis Mac Allister looks almost certain to depart the south coast in the summer.
It may come as a surprise to some to see him included in this list, and while he is deadly from the penalty spot, six of his club-leading 10 goals have come from 12 yards.
In open play, his conversion rate stands at a puzzling 14% – a stat that is largely forgiven due to his outstanding ability in possession. However, with sizeable £70m transfer fee attached to his imminent move to Liverpool, he will hope to to improve his output next season.
- Expected goals: 7.3
- Non-penalty goals scored: 4
9. Danny Welbeck (Brighton)
We promise this list isn’t made up entirely of Brighton players – at least De Zerbi has gone some may to stripping the Seagulls of their unfortunate ‘xG FC’ nickname coined under Graham Potter.
Nevertheless, Danny Welbeck comes in a number nine having failed to score in his first 14 appearances at the start of the season, while he rounded off this term with a six-game baron run.
He is largely deployed as an effective middle man to link the play and bring the likes of Solly March and Kaoru Mitoma into play, but his total goal tally of six is some way off his xG of 9.4.
- Expected goals: 9.4
- Non-penalty goals scored: 6
8. Andreas Pereira (Fulham)
With 11 goals contributions this season, Andreas Pereira has been one of Marco Silva’s most potent weapons as Fulham made an emphatic return to the top-flight.
The Brazilian has popped up with several crucial goals throughout the season, but he has a tendency to shoot from range which very rarely results in a goal.
Under half of his 48 shots actually hit the target.
- Expected goals: 6.5
- Non-penalty goals scored: 3
7. Neal Maupay (Everton)
Undoubtedly one of the more disastrous signings that has somehow been buried under the joy of Everton’s great escape, Neal Maupay comes in at number seven.
The Frenchman managed just 74 minutes across the Toffees’s final seven games – this underlines a hugely frustrating season for the 26-year-old who was brought in to compliment Dominic Calvert-Lewin up front.
With just one goal that came all the way back in September 2022, he inevitably ranks among the Premier League’s worst finishers this term.
- Expected goals: 4.8
- Non-penalty goals scored: 1
6. Fabian Schar (Newcastle)
Perhaps a name you may not have expected to be here, but Newcastle’s Fabian Schar is the only defender that makes this list.
Much like Pereira, his total confidence in his ability from long range often sees him try his luck from very unlikely positions on the pitch.
Don’t get us wrong, he has scored some of the most improbable goals during his career at St James’ Park. His wonder strike against Nottingham Forest at the beginning of the season springs to mind.
However, that was his only league goal of the season, and has at times proved wasteful in the air from corners or at the end of one of his surging runs.
- Expected goals: 4.9
- Non-penalty goals scored: 1
=2. Eddie Nketiah (Arsenal)
Following Gabriel Jesus’ alarming injury at the World Cup, Eddie Nketiah was forced to deputise in his stead whilst Arsenal continued their charge towards the title, which we now know was in vain.
Nevertheless, the 24-year-old, although not prolific, managed to connect the dots to great effect and his general hold-up play is perhaps his most redeeming quality.
Many fans even questioned whether Gabriel Jesus would earn his place back, but the disparity between Nketiah’s xG and his actual goal tally shows he has some way to go before proving he is worthy of a starting berth.
- Expected goals: 8
- Non-penalty goals scored: 4
=2. Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Everton)
A season plagued by two separate lengthy spells on the sidelines probably had a bearing on Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s confidence, but just one goal from open play from Everton’s chief marksmen almost landed them in hot water.
He holds a rather unfortunate 7.41% conversion rate from big chances over the past season; a year to forget for the 26-year-old.
- Expected goals: 5
- Non-penalty goals scored: 1
=2. Christian Eriksen (Manchester United)
We could’ve sworn he had more than one goal this season.
Nevertheless, a dreamy start to life in Manchester for the Dane was cut short after an unfortunate mid-season ankle injury that forced him out of action for two months.
It has become customary for the former Tottenham man to try his luck from distance at least once per game, but a conversion rate of just 2.7% from big chances leaves a lot to be desired in front of goal.
- Expected goals: 5
- Non-penalty goals scored: 1
=2. Joe Willock (Newcastle United)
An immense carrier of the ball, coupled with a startling football IQ makes Joe Willock a terrifying prospect for opposition players.
So often has he found himself at the start and end of an attack, but the man himself admitted earlier this month that his “annoying” lack of goals has left him frustrated and yearning for improvement next year.
Adding goals to his game would undoubtedly elevate him game to another level – with an xG of 7, one can only imagine what his tally would be like if his conversion rate improved.
- Expected goals: 7
- Non-penalty goals scored: 3
1. Kai Havertz (Chelsea)
This list wouldn’t be complete without a Chelsea player – sorry Blues fans.
Kai Havertz’s inclusion at top spot just about sums up the dark cloud that looms large over Stamford Bridge following their bottom-half finish.
The German is actually their most productive player in front of goal this season, which makes this a somewhat unfair portrayal of his contribution. We have a slither of sympathy for him given his role, or lack thereof, in this team – is he a striker? A number 10? We’re not quite sure.
For all his graceful balleting across the turf and cute finishes, so often can he be seen bumbling and hesitating like a child tripping over their words in front of the class.
- Expected goals: 10.8
- Non-penalty goals scored: 6
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