Welcome to the 10th edition of The Alternative Premier League Table, where every Thursday, Anantaajith Raghuraman provides insights into the league from a unique perspective.
Following last week’s focus on clubs’ big chances created and converted, this edition explores goals scored by new players.
As always, the article is detailed, so settle in or jump to your team of interest.
After nine matches, it’s a suitable moment to evaluate the impact of new signings across clubs.
This season’s transfer activity yielded varied results. While some players thrived immediately, many are still finding their footing. Some clubs have discovered that young, untested talents can make a significant difference.
This week’s Alternative Table highlights how much teams depend on new players for their scoring, including acquisitions and debutants this season (like Liverpool’s Rio Ngumoha and Bournemouth’s Eli Junior Kroupi).
- No new signing has contributed a larger share to their team’s goals than Newcastle United‘s Nick Woltemade (44%). In total goal involvements, Everton‘s Jack Grealish leads with 56%.
- Manchester United has successfully revamped their attack, with new players contributing to 47% of their 15 goals.
- New additions for Liverpool have accounted for a third of their goals, despite their high-profile signings, Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz, yet to score.
- Clubs like Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Fulham have seen no goals from new signings.
- Manchester City has only received two goals from new players, relying heavily on Erling Haaland.
- Leeds United heavily banks on new signings, with two-thirds of their goals coming from fresh faces.
Newcastle United has been uplifted significantly by Woltemade, who scored on debut and followed up with goals in his next matches. His total of four goals makes up 44% of the club’s nine goals this season.
Grealish for Everton, is another key player, with five contributions (one goal, four assists). While he hasn’t assisted recently, he remains pivotal in creating chances, assisted by notable new signings like Iliman Ndiaye and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
On the other hand, Crystal Palace, Fulham, and Aston Villa have seen limited impact from their new players. Palace’s new signings either have minimal game time or have yet to score. Villa’s marquee signings are integrating gradually, showing potential but lacking immediate results.
Bournemouth has seen success with their young forwards like Kroupi. His impactful play, along with contributions from new signings, emphasizes the importance of integrating fresh talent into their squad.
Brentford has also witnessed the effects of their investments, with signings like Dango Ouattara contributing effectively. Meanwhile, Leeds United is performing steadily, relying predominantly on goals from new players, boosting their overall tally.
As the season unfolds, the effects of new signings on team dynamics and performance will continue to be scrutinized, revealing which clubs benefit most from their summer investments.
