Numerous times last season on these pages, we listed the goalscoring exploits of the likes of Dwight Gayle at Newcastle and Glenn Murray at Brighton as the main reason why their clubs were promoted.
At times in this game, people can look for complicated reasons and perceived intellectual titbits as to why teams achieve their goals when sometimes the real reasons are obvious. Teams need goals. Simple.
When looking for automatic promotion from the Championship, sides have always needed prolific scorers in their ranks. As for this season following promotion, Newcastle have not been able to get a proper number nine playing every week and it has been a major problem for them.
Given that he couldn’t get into the side ahead of Gayle last season, it’s perhaps no surprise that Aleksandar Mitrovic hasn’t nailed down the position this year but still, we don’t know why Rafa Benitez cannot seem to trust Dwight Gayle in this league after last season’s heroics.
Joselu has been the man who has been entrusted with the role of late and though the fans appreciate his willingness, they have been increasingly frustrated at his lack of will in front of goal. Down at Brighton though, Chris Hughton kept faith with his main man from last season in Glenn Murray and he really hasn’t let them down.
Here’s how the two central strikers compare at the respective clubs:
Joselu | Glenn Murray | |
Minutes played | 720 | 475 |
Shots* | 2.7 | 1.0 |
Goals | 2 | 4 |
Key passes* | 1.0 | 0.1 |
Assists | 0 | 0 |
Aerial battles won* | 4.2 | 3.4 |
Fouled* | 0.7 | 1.4 |
Pass completion rate | 64.6% | 55.4% |
Offside* | 0.1 | 0.8 |
Dispossessed* | 1.0 | 1.1 |
Bad control* | 2.0 | 2.1 |
*Per game
This is a more difficult one to call than I thought. Just by watching them, to the naked eye, I would have said Glenn Murray had been better this season and of course, by scoring 4 goals, he edges ahead of Joselu in that regard.
Certainly, in averaging one shot per game and only playing 475 minutes, it makes his goalscoring exploits look even more impressive, but sometimes you have to ask why he does not play so much or attack the goal when he gets the chance to.
Joselu, somewhat surprisingly, is winning more aerial battles than Murray, completes more passes to his teammates, strays offside way less than Murray and also has better control.
Based on this, you’d say Joselu is a higher quality, more composed player and you can see why Benitez wants him but frankly he is not clinical enough. In terms of who is better though, you’d have to check this again in another six or so games and if Joselu can add goals to his game then he’d come out on top.
Everton is having a bad season so far, from their poor form in the league…
Communication is the heartbeat of any successful soccer team. On the field, amidst the flurry…
In the annals of football history, few names evoke as much reverence and admiration as…
Are you new to the world of football betting and would you like to take…
If you are into sports betting, staying ahead of the game is crucial. One way…
I have prepared some interesting and fun football facts for you, perfect for those who love the thrill of discovery almost as much as the excitement found at https://www.staycasino.com/. Like the unpredictable nature of casino games, these facts will surprise and intrigue you with unexpected twists and turns in the world of football. Here is the complete list of 40 interesting and fun facts about football. What are the most interesting facts about football? Football was invented in Italy, Messi is the highest-paid athlete, and the fastest a player has been sent off is 0 seconds! Stay ahead with these facts and impress with your knowledge. This collection contains many football facts that will surprise you. Tell your friends new facts they don't know. Interesting Facts About Football Every football fan should know these facts. You can also surprise your children with what they don't know! When was football invented? Modern football originated from the Florentine game of Calcio Fiorentino, played in the 14th …