In this week’s edition of the Friday 5iver, Desh Parthab looks at Callum Wilson’s growing importance at Newcastle, Arsenal vs Liverpool and more from the Premier League!
London is red and Manchester is blue. Arsenal ran out 3-1 victors against Tottenham Hotspur in the NLD before Manchester City ran rampant at the Etihad netting six times against The Red Devils.
That result means that only Bournemouth have prevented Haaland from scoring this term, across all club competitions. Currently, only Manchester City (8) and Everton (6) are on a current longer unbeaten run in the English topflight than the Cherries.
Newcastle picked up their 2nd win of the campaign, after dispatching Fulham 4-1. The Magpies came into that one on the back of a six-match winless run in the league, but raced into a 3-nil lead by the halftime whistle (largely due to Nathaniel Chaloba’s red card in the 8th minute).
With that being said, here are a few players who are bound to provide an attacking return during this weekend’s action!
Callum Wilson
Callum Wilson has netted 3 goals across his four league appearances this season. The Newcastle striker has had an injury-laden time with the Magpies, nevertheless, if he can get on the pitch, he’s more than likely to get on the scoresheet!
Wilson’s non-penalty XG per 90 is a staggering 0.8 – only Erling Haaland (0.93) has a higher non-penalty XG per 90 from all top-flight players.
Despite this, Wilson is outperforming his XG, averaging 0.87 non-penalty goals per 90. Newcastle kick off this weekend’s action at Saint James’ Park, where they have lost just once this calendar year.
Jarrod Bowen
Jarrod Bowen has registered 19 efforts across his eight league appearances this season – putting him in the top five from all league midfielders.
The wideman opened his account for the season last time out and could follow that up when the Hammers host Fulham (who have conceded 2+ goals in six of their eight league outings this season).
Across his previous three league outings, Bowen has created seven chances and attempted 14 crosses so he may very well be in the thick of things this time out.
Crystal Palace
Last season, over 60% of Crystal Palace’s points (29/48) were earned on home soil. Indeed, Viera’s men have secured their first win of the season at Selhurst Park, but are yet to build on that.
Wilfried Zaha is in prime position to do just that. Across his previous three home league appearances, the dangerman has returned three goals from eight shots.
Furthermore, he did create four chances during that period so keep an eye out for him. Palace’s opponents Leeds played with 10 men for the majority of their previous 45 minutes, but battened down the hatches and held on for a point.
Manchester City
Despite starting each of City’s previous three home appearances, Jack Grealish failed to provide an attacking return in a team that scored 13 goals in that time.
The 27-year-old has attempted 10 shots during that period, without finding the back of the net. Furthermore, he did create eight chances in that spell, but did not register an assist.
Grealish’s attacking output is clear to see, but with teammate John Stones (2) being involved in more topflight goals than he has this season, Guardiola’s patience must be wearing thin.
Ollie Watkins
Ollie Watkins is bound to add to his PL tally for the season soon.
Across his previous three away league outings, the forward has returned a goal from his eight shots. The 26-year-old could have added to his tally – missing 3 big chances during that period.
Whilst Villa are undefeated across their previous three league outings, Gerrard will need his frontman to fire them toward the top half of the log.
