Seven games into the 2025-26 Premier League season, Erling Haaland is once again the focal point of Manchester City’s attack and remains the top flight’s most feared striker.
The Norwegian has already scored nine goals in seven appearances this term, cementing his position at the top of the scoring charts.
Under Pep Guardiola, Haaland continues to evolve – this season he is becoming less reliant on volume and more efficient in his movement and finishing.
This is something both the player and manager have recognised. Speaking after City’s recent win over Brentford, Haaland told Sky Sports: “I feel I’m in the best form of my life. I’m learning new things every week, and I’ve become more clinical.
“My daughter keeps me grounded – I play for her every time I step on the pitch.”
Guardiola, meanwhile, praised his No. 9’s improvement off the ball.
“He’s understanding when to wait, when to move. It’s not about touching the ball 50 times – it’s about being there when it matters,” said the City boss.
Yet despite the strong numbers, City’s attacking data tells a slightly different story.
Image credit: Opta Analyst
They are creating fewer big chances compared to previous campaigns. Haaland’s expected goals (xG) total remains high at 7.71 so far, but the rate of quality chances has dipped – suggesting that others across the league may be outperforming him in the underlying metrics.
According to The Analyst’s Premier League database, a handful of forwards – including some unexpected names – are currently outperforming Haaland on xG per shot, conversion rate, and goal.
Here are five forwards who have found a more clinical touch than the City talisman early on in the 2025-26 campaign.
Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth)
Few would have predicted that Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo would be among the league’s most efficient finishers this season. Under Andoni Iraola, the Ghanaian has thrived in a freer, counter-attacking system that suits his raw pace and power.
Semenyo has registered six goals from an xG of just 3.59, giving him one of the best overperformance rates in the division. His improved shot selection – opting for quicker finishes and low-driven efforts – has made him far more clinical than in previous campaigns.
The 25-year-old’s confidence has grown, and his leadership role with the Cherries has turned Bournemouth’s attack into a genuine threat on transitions. If he maintains this form, Semenyo is undoubtedly in line for a big-money move either in January or next summer.
Jarrod Bowen (West Ham)
Jarrod Bowen’s adaptation from wide forward to more of a central striker continues to pay off. The England international has been a shining light on the Hammers’ poor start to the season, and his clinical touch has bailed them out of a few tricky situations.
Bowen currently boasts three goals from an xG of just 0.81, showcasing his ruthless finishing ability inside the box. What’s remarkable is that Bowen’s shot volume hasn’t increased drastically – it’s his accuracy and decision-making that have reached another level.
His off-ball movement, particularly between the centre-backs, mirrors Haaland’s style at times, yet Bowen’s role in build-up play remains broader. He drifts wide, presses intelligently, and offers a creative outlet in transitions.
Jaidon Anthony (Burnley)
While Burnley’s season has been up and down so far, new signing Jaidon Anthony has been a bright spark for Scott Parker’s side.
He’s scored four goals from an xG of 2.16, a staggering overperformance that places him among the division’s most efficient finishers.
Anthony’s directness has been key – averaging 1.7 shots per game and creating 0.18 xG from each attempt.
His presence has given Burnley a sharper edge in attack. While their results have been mixed, Anthony’s ability to produce something from nothing could prove vital in their battle for survival.
Wilson Isidor (Sunderland)
Sunderland’s Wilson Isidor is perhaps the biggest surprise on this list. After joining from Zenit last season, few expected him to adapt so seamlessly to Premier League football.
The Frenchman has been electric – scoring three goals from 15 shots. His xG per shot stands at a remarkable 0.08, and his overall tally is a mere 1.23.
Isidor’s intelligent movement between the lines has made Sunderland’s attacking transitions very dangerous.
He’s not just scoring either. The 25-year-old is linking up play for his side as well. For a promoted team, having a forward outperforming Haaland on efficiency metrics is an incredible achievement – and a sign that Sunderland’s recruitment model is paying off.
Igor Thiago (Brentford)
When Ivan Toney left Brentford, questions loomed over who could fill his boots. Enter Igor Thiago, the Brazilian striker signed from Club Brugge. The 24-year-old has wasted no time in making his mark in England, scoring four goals from an xG of 2.57.
Thiago’s combination of strength and subtlety makes him a nightmare for defenders. His aerial power, composure under pressure, and ability to drop deep mirror some of Toney’s best attributes, yet he offers a different dimension – more movement in behind and quicker link-up play.
Under Keith Andrews, Thiago has quickly become the heartbeat of Brentford’s attack. His finishing touch and physicality have helped the Bees remain competitive, even without Toney, Bryan Mbeumo or Yoane Wissa.
The bigger picture
While Erling Haaland remains the Premier League’s deadliest striker on pure numbers, these early-season performances highlight how efficient players at the top level must be to support their clubs.
For players like Semenyo, Bowen, and Isidor, outperforming the Norwegian on xG is not just about scoring goals – it’s about taking opportunities in systems that aren’t built entirely around them.
Haaland may still dominate the Golden Boot race, but these names show there’s more to being an elite striker than volume alone.
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