Top 5 Premier League Strikers with Most Big Chances Missed

Introduction

In football, clinical strikers are highly valued for their ability to convert scoring opportunities. However, even the most prolific goalscorers can miss presentable chances to score. This article examines the top five players who have missed the most big chances in the Premier League since the start of the 2022-23 season.

5. Marcus Rashford

Marcus Rashford, playing under Erik ten Hag, has shown an interesting trend in his output over the past couple of seasons. While he missed 22 big chances last season, he also scored 17 Premier League goals, his joint-best career return. This season, Rashford's numbers have decreased significantly, with just six big chances missed and five goals scored. This suggests a regression in his movement or United's chance creation, or possibly both.

4. Mohamed Salah

Despite Liverpool's underwhelming fifth-place finish last season, Mohamed Salah stood out with 19 Premier League goals. However, he also missed 20 big chances, the same number as his teammate Darwin Nunez. In the current season, Salah has been more clinical, scoring 15 goals and missing only nine big chances.

3. Ollie Watkins

Ollie Watkins, the Aston Villa forward, has been consistent in his goalscoring, with 28 league goals since the start of last season. However, he has also missed 36 big chances over the past couple of seasons, including 16 in the current season and 20 in the previous season.

2. Darwin Nunez

Darwin Nunez, Liverpool's Uruguayan striker, has gained a reputation for being wasteful in front of goal. Last season, despite starting only half of Liverpool's Premier League matches, he missed 20 big chances. This season, he has already missed 21 big chances, but he has also been scoring more regularly and providing assists.

1. Erling Haaland

Erling Haaland, the Manchester City striker, tops the list with 49 big chances missed. Despite this, he has scored considerably more goals than any other player on the list. Haaland's ability to get in dangerous areas and the high volume of chances created by his teammates contribute to his goal-scoring success. Last season, he broke the Premier League single-season record with 36 goals, while also missing 28 big chances. In the current season, Haaland leads the scoring charts with 16 goals and has missed 21 big chances.

Conclusion

This analysis highlights that missing big chances does not necessarily hinder a striker's overall goal-scoring ability. It can be an indication of the player's instincts and the trust placed in them. However, the lack of opportunities in the first place should be a cause for concern. Strikers like Rashford, Salah, Watkins, Nunez, and Haaland continue to be valuable assets to their respective teams, despite their missed chances.