EA SPORTS data on Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata that demonstrates his importance to Antonio Conte’s team.
Morata’s recent hamstring injury brought to a halt what has so far been a strong start to the season for the Spaniard, who has scored a goal every 82 minutes in the Premier League – a statistic that can only be rivalled by the free–scoring Manchester City attack (see below table).
With six goals in the league, it seems Morata is proving to be an effective replacement for fellow Spaniard Diego Costa, and after making his return from injury last night to help Chelsea secure the top spot in their Champions League group, The Blues will rely on Morata to continue his form in the league against Watford on Saturday.
His ability to hold up play, retain possession and make dangerous runs in behind have also allowed Morata to create chances for his teammates too, having registered two assists in the league to date.
Morata – who turns 24 on Monday – has contributed to an impressive 62% of Chelsea’s Premier League goals and as shown in the table below, his goals could be considered far more valuable in comparison to the league’s other top strikers. While Netbet.co.uk predicts Morata could continue his goal scoring exploits to become the top scorer of the league.
To put that into perspective Tottenham’s Harry Kane is the closest rival to Morata contributing to 43% of Spurs’ goals. It could be argued that Morata holds more importance to Chelsea’s chances of retaining their Premier League crown than perhaps other sides may rely on their star men.
| Goals | Assists | % of Teams Goals | Minutes per Goal | |
| Morata | 6 | 2 | 62% | 82 |
| Kane | 6 | 0 | 43% | 118 |
| Lukaku | 7 | 1 | 38% | 103 |
| Aguero | 6 | 3 | 32% | 78 |
| Jesus | 6 | 1 | 25% | 80 |
| Sterling | 6 | 2 | 29% | 80 |
As you can see below, EA SPORTS data shows that Chelsea did struggle to convert their chances against Crystal Palace as they were unable to offer the same attacking threat in Morata’s absence.
This was demonstrated by a 16% reduction in their shooting accuracy, compared to their performances this season with Morata in the side. Blues fans will undoubtedly be glad to see him back and, providing he can maintain his fitness and attacking form, it may be far too early to rule Chelsea out of the title race.
| Shots | Shots on Target | Shooting Accuracy | |
| Chelsea with Morata | 101 | 36 | 36% |
| Chelsea vs Crystal Palace | 15 | 3 | 20% |
Data Courtesy of EA SPORTS, the Lead Partner of the Premier League.
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