When it comes to assessing a goalscorer’s efficiency, there are few metrics more accurate than expected goals (xG). The metric evaluates the quality of the ball provided, the position of the attacker and the distance to the goal to accurately assign an xG value. The closer an attacker’s goal tally is to his total expected goals, the more efficient he is.
However, today’s list isn’t about being efficient. Here we’ll focus on players who are embarrassingly behind expected goals in the Premier League. Read on to find out five players who have underperformed for expected goals in England’s top flight this season.
#5 Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United): -1.97
In fifth place is Newcastle United star Anthony Gordon, who is 1.97 goals away from his target. The England international has made 14 appearances in the Premier League this season, scoring three goals and providing one assist.
The 23-year-old Gordon has taken 25 shots in England’s top flight this season, 11 of which were on target. He hit the woodwork once and missed five great chances. If he had been a bit calmer, Newcastle United might not be struggling in the rankings, finishing in 12th place.
#4 King Eberechi (Crystal Palace): -2.01
Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze is fourth, with a lower xG of 2.01. Eze is reportedly on the radar of Manchester United and has played 12 Premier League games so far, scoring one goal and providing two assists.
The 26-year-old attacker has taken 42 shots so far, but only 13 have been on target. He hit the woodwork twice and missed six great chances for the Eagles.
#3 Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Everton): -2.07
Everton has performed poorly in the Premier League this season, falling to 15th place. Most of their top players failed to perform as they should, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin at the top of the list of underperformers. The striker has a goals against average of 2.07 and has scored two goals in 14 league games this season.
The 27-year-old has hit just nine of 41 shots in England’s top flight. He has hit the woodwork three times and missed six great chances. Everton need to shake things up if they want to get back into the top half of the table.
#2 Cameron Archer (Southampton): -2.07
Southampton striker Cameron Archer’s expected goals efficiency is 2.07 lower, making him the second-least efficient player in the Premier League. Archer played 15 league games in the 2024-25 season and scored twice.
The 23-year-old has taken 21 shots so far, seven of which have tested the goalkeeper. He has hit the woodwork twice and missed seven great chances.
#1 Bruno Fernandez (Manchester United): -2.18
Manchester United experienced an unforgettable Premier League campaign. The Red Devils are currently on their third manager of the season and currently sit 13th in the league with just 19 points from 15 games.
team leader Bruno FernandezThe tepid state contributed largely to their misfortune. Fernandes is generally a reliable source of goals, but he has only scored three goals in 15 games, which is 2.18 below his expected goals. However, he performed quite well in the creative department, dishing out five assists.
Fernandez has had nine of his 41 shots on target so far. He has hit the woodwork three times and missed six great chances.
