Thread by @adamvoge

This summer I published a thread of potentially obtainable strikers as #Arsenal look to transition from Aubameyang and Lacazette to the next generation and progress toward the top 4. With most clubs having 5 or more games under their belts, here's where things stand... (1/x)

First, disclaimer: I do this with the information I have available. If I'm missing some context, please let me know! I do my best to remain up-to-date on everyone.

Also: These numbers include only domestic league play, but I'll note relevant cup performances where I'm able.

The numbers you'll see in this update are very much SMALL SAMPLE SIZE. Don't overreact to a poor or hot start. I'll continue to track all season, and do weight full seasons more than shorter stretches to eliminate statistical anomaly and/or unsustainable form.

Some players on my list haven't played enough football to qualify for this update, either because of injury, poor form/being dropped or playing in a different position that makes them incomparable.

Pour one out for Kalajdzic, Leao, Sorloth, Embolo and more. Now...here we go!

Perhaps one day I'll be flamed for this, but Dusan Vlahovic (21) remains low for me. In ~540 mins, he's scored 4 G, three PK. His finishing so far has been uninspiring, but he hasn't had a lot of chances, either. My formula really punishes him for poor ball control and passing.

Taiwo Awoniyi (24) ranked low last year but has a nice start going. He's got 3G in less than 5 games of minutes. He's shooting well. He's creating fairly well (2.44 SCA, 1.11 passes into the penalty area/90). Early days, but continued form like this would see him rise.

I waffled over whether to include DCL (24) because of his low minutes to date (injuries). He's gotten good chances when he has played and isn't really capitalizing so far. He's hard to get off the ball, but so far is having a tough time controlling passes. Needs more aerial wins.

Arsenal have been linked to Moussa Dembele (25) before. He's scored 10+ goals in four seasons but barely played last season. So far this year: 4G, 1A. Controlling the ball and winning duels has been an issue, but he's finishing well. Keep watching him for Lyon.

Amine Gouiri (21) finished disappointingly low on my last rankings, so I'm glad he's elevated his game this season. 7G+A in 7. Mind you, he's taken 4 pens (scored on 2). Creation numbers remain off the chart, but yes he does need to finish more effectively. Aerials are pain.

I'm mostly anti-Patrik-Schick-to-Arsenal because I don't want to spend five years misspelling his name. The 25-y.o. Isn't having the best start to the season in terms of passing, duels, or possession, but he's buoyed by his 4G. One of the bigger dropoffs from last year so far.

A new hero emerges. Mohamed Bayo (23) helped Clermont to promotion with 22 goals last year, and so far he's crushing L1 as well. 6G+A in around 6 90s. He's dropped about a goal already, per xG. Pretty good on the ball so far as well. Bright, keep watching him.

I hope Ollie Watkins (25) keeps getting to play. He's done well with the VERY SMALL caveat that he hasn't converted any of his 1.5 xG into a goal. Only Nico Pepe has more without scoring in the Prem. Ollie dribbled well last year, this year has been even better.

I'm not wowed by Youssef En-Nesyri's (24) start this year, but some good remains. Very hard to win the ball from. His passing and finishing have been decent, but I need the latter to pick up a bit. Red-carded in the UCL opener. I would expect his aerial wins to go up a lot.

How would Ivan Toney (25) feel about being the striker Arsenal allegedly need? Even after moving up a level, he's controlling the ball well, winning duels, creating well. All he really needs to do is up his finishing. He has just 3 shots on target in 6 games, and just 1.2 xG.

Lautaro (24) is scoring well so far (4 in 5), but he's not really passing and is mishandling too many passes in this early stretch. Near the bottom in key passes and xA on this list after being higher last season...anything change at Inter since then? 🤔

Serhou Guirassy (25) remains one I like in a sneaky way. He's doing a lot well this year. Strong in the air so far, dribbling well. He's getting good chances but not finishing well enough. He did score against Tottenham in the Conference League, though 😀

Tammy (24) has seen one of the biggest bumps so far of anyone on my list. He's gotten good chances but hasn't finished well enough. Everything else -- possession, duels, creation -- has been strong. The creation is way above career levels, so we'll see if that flames out.

Alexander Isak (22) was 2nd last year (just behind Osimhen by score) but he's struggling atm. Hasn't scored in ~270 mins, and he's gotten solid chances. Creating at a solid level, and is stronger in possession so far. But the duels are poor, and he doesn't press. Currently hurt.

I keep Gabriel Jesus (24) here bc I wonder if the "City need a striker" narrative eventually drives him out. No idea if Arsenal would have a chance, but having a good year. 5G+A in the Prem, joined the RBL goalfest in the Champions League. Creation's his strength, as always.

I remain high on the Canadian Jonathan David (21). 4G and an xA so far. I think he's been good in the UCL, he just hasn't scored. (A minor flaw 😉). Solid creation and passing so far. Too loose with the ball, and needs to win in the air far, far more.

Not only has Victor Osimhen (22) remained atop this list, he's increased his lead. >1G per 90 so far. He's been secure on the ball, he's pressed pretty actively (top 10 on this list), he's created shots (mostly by drawing fouls). This doesn't even include what he did vs. LCFC.

Moving to smaller leagues, a couple highlights: Darwin (22) has started strong in terms of scoring. 2 against Barca, 4 in 5 in the league. But some familiar warts remain: He's missing big chances, he hasn't passed well, and somehow he's lost in the air too much. Room for growth.

One more: Like everyone, I'm enamored with Charles De Ketelaere (20), who's been remarkable in the UCL. This is just in the Jupiler Pro League, but he's missing too many chances and having a bit of trouble keeping the ball. But he's creative, he wins duels and he finds the net.