Arsenal boast the best finisher in the Premier League according to Opta statistics, while Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool are also represented. Read the full list here!
Stats gurus Opta have revealed the most lethal Premier League players over the last three seasons – excluding penalties.
In order to exclude players who have 100% success after scored one goal from one shot, these players have all managed at least 15 goals from open play.
8. Sergio Aguero (Manchester City)
Premier League goals since 2011–12: 45
Conversion rate: 21%
Sergio Aguero has been a sensational signing for Manchester City, and averages a goal per game this season.
The Argentina international forward scored the goal that won Manchester City their first top flight title since 1968, and his finishing prowess is amongst the very best in the top flight.
7. Theo Walcott (Arsenal)
Premier League goals since 2011–12: 27
Conversion rate: 21%
Theo Walcott hasn’t had many opportunities to start up front for Arsenal or England, meaning the majority of his goals come from a bended run towards the centre from a starting position wide on the right.
Just when Walcott was afforded a chance to lead the line for the Gunners though, impressing in the January FA Cup win against north London rivals Spurs, he sustained a knee injury that ended both his season and 2014 FIFA World Cup hopes.
6. Daniel Sturridge (Chelsea, Liverpool)
Premier League goals since 2011–12: 31
Conversion rate: 21%
Daniel Sturridge has improved exponentially since transferring to Liverpool in January 2013, and this season he is the second top scorer in the Premier League with 20 goals.
Having been deployed out wide for Chelsea before his Anfield switch, it would be little surprise to see his conversion rate rise if merely judged on his Reds form.
Sturridge has forced himself into the England starting XI, and could be a huge force for Roy Hodgson’s Three Lions – if he is granted the opportunity to play as a central striker.
5. Yaya Toure (Manchester City)
Premier League goals since 2011–12: 24
Conversion rate: 22%
Yaya Toure’s goalscoring statistics this season have been boosted by his set piece prowess – he has scored six penalties and four free kicks this term, managing eight strikes from open play – but he remains a fantastic finisher when he drives through the heart of teams.
4. Juan Mata (Chelsea, Manchester United)
Premier League goals since 2011–12: 20
Conversion rate: 24%
When Manchester United signed Juan Mata in January 2014, David Moyes said that the Spaniard was brought in for his goalscoring talents as well as his playmaking abilities.
After a slow start to his Red Devils career, Mata has now found the back of the net three times in the Premier League.
3. Emmanuel Adebayor (Tottenham Hotspur)
Premier League goals since 2011–12: 29
Conversion rate: 25%
Emmanuel Adebayor hasn’t always been first choice striker for Tottenham Hotspur over the last couple of seasons, competing with the likes of Jermain Defoe and Roberto Soldado for a place, but has proved himself a good finisher when granted a chance to play.
2. Javier Hernandez (Manchester United)
Premier League goals since 2011–12: 23
Conversion rate: 27%
Javier Hernandez doesn’t get many opportunities to play for Manchester United, with Robin Van Persie and Wayne Rooney typically preferred up front.
The Mexican forward – known as Chicharito – has still proved himself lethal in front of goal.
1. Lukas Podolski (Arsenal)
Premier League goals since 2011–12: 19
Conversion rate: 35%
Lukas Podolski can be criticised for drifting in and out of games, rarely completing 90 minutes, and for his poor defensive contribution, but his strike rate is impressive – and his shot conversion rate is phenomenal.
35% of Lukas Podolski’s Premier League shots for Arsenal have found the back of the net – and his Gunners team-mates know that if their German colleague