The excitement is building once again as the race for the coveted Premier League Golden Boot heats up. Established superstars are gearing up to compete for the prestigious title of the English top-flight’s leading goal scorer.
Erling Haaland, quite literally head and shoulders above his Premier League counterparts, currently dominates the top scorer charts for the 2023/24 season. His lethal performance last season, where he shattered records with 36 goals, earned him the Golden Boot in 2022/23.
However, the departure of Harry Kane, last season’s runner-up with 30 goals, to Bayern Munich leaves the field wide open for challengers to step up and vie for the Golden Boot in 2023/24.
Several players are poised to make their mark in the goal-scoring race this season. Marcus Rashford of Manchester United, the Newcastle United duo of Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak, and a host of potent attackers at Liverpool including Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez, and Cody Gakpo are all strong contenders. Arsenal boasts its own trio of goal-scoring talents in Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka, and Gabriel Martinelli.
As the nets bulge with goals throughout the 2023-24 campaign, GOAL is here to keep you updated on the exploits of the league’s most prolific marksmen.
1. Erling Haaland | Manchester City | 6 Goals
– Erling Haaland dominated last season’s Golden Boot race with an astonishing 36 league goals from 35 matches in 2022/23. His remarkable record included four hat-tricks, defying skeptics who doubted his ability to adapt to English football. Haaland shows no signs of slowing down this season and is on track to retain his top scorer title unless injury or tactical decisions intervene.
2. Evan Ferguson | Brighton | 4 Goals
– Irish wonderkid Evan Ferguson burst onto the scene last season, making a significant impact with eight goal contributions in limited playing time for Brighton. This season, he is expected to secure a regular spot in the starting lineup under Roberto De Zerbi, potentially further elevating his stock.
3. Bryan Mbuemo | Brentford | 4 Goals
– Bryan Mbeumo has been a vital part of Brentford’s attack since their promotion to the Premier League in 2021. While Ivan Toney often grabs the headlines, Mbeumo’s well-rounded abilities contributed nine goals and eight assists last season. With Toney suspended until January, Mbeumo will play a crucial role in Brentford’s forward line.
4. Taiwo Awoniyi | Nottingham Forest | 3 Goals
– Taiwo Awoniyi made a notable return to English football last season, scoring 10 goals in 27 Premier League games for Nottingham Forest after a year away. His goal-scoring prowess will be crucial for Forest’s ambitions under manager Steve Cooper this season.
5. Son Heung-min | Tottenham Hotspur | 3 Goals
– Son Heung-min had a remarkable 23-goal season but experienced a dip in form last year with just 10 goals. However, under the guidance of manager Ange Postecoglou and with the addition of James Maddison, Son is regaining his scoring touch. His performances will be crucial for Spurs, especially following Harry Kane’s departure.
6. Jarrod Bowen | West Ham United | 3 Goals
– With Declan Rice’s departure, West Ham will rely on Jarrod Bowen in the attack. Bowen’s ability to score and create chances was a key factor in West Ham’s success last season, culminating in their Europa Conference League triumph.
7. Solly March | Brighton | 3 Goals
– Solly March surprised many with his goal-scoring abilities under Roberto De Zerbi. His clinical finishing earned him a new long-term contract, and his versatility will be vital for Brighton as they embark on a Europa League campaign.
8. Odsonne Edouard | Crystal Palace | 3 Goals
– Crystal Palace invested heavily in Odsonne Edouard’s potential, and he aims to deliver this season. While he faced challenges in his debut season, Edouard is determined to change the narrative and become a prolific goal-scorer for Palace.
9. Alexander Isak | Newcastle | 2 Goals
– Alexander Isak showcased his talent after returning from injury last season, netting eight goals in the final 19 games. His flair, skill, and finishing ability make him a rising star in the English top-flight.
10. Raheem Sterling | Chelsea | 2 Goals
– Raheem Sterling had a modest goal-scoring debut season at Chelsea with six Premier League goals. However, he is finding his rhythm under new manager Mauricio Pochettino and looks set to contribute significantly in front of goal this season.