Are Alexandre Lacazette and Roberto Firmino Really Underperforming ? A Comparison With the Other No 9’s in the Premier League

Recently, when Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp was bombarded with questions on Roberto Firmino’s diminishing goal-scoring record, he said:

“I don't have to say one word about Bobby Firmino and how important he is for us, I don't waste time with that. He was in so many games the difference-maker without scoring maybe, I'm not sure, but with scoring as well in other games, so I would feel really embarrassed if I had to mention the qualities of him.”

Likewise, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was forced to defend his striker Alexandre Lacazette when the 2018-19 Arsenal’s Player of the Season went through a rough patch of games. He shed light on what the Frenchman brings aside from his goals and praised the striker’s hardworking nature. When asked if Lacazette could leave the club, he mentioned: “Why would I want to lose a player like him? I’m really happy with him.” 

Both the strikers have come under the spotlight over the past year for not being impactful in terms of goals and assists and lacking the killer finish in front of the goal. Both were pilloried for failing to convert big chances, especially Lacazette, for squandering even the rare ones that came by Arsenal last season. But the reality is much different.