MICHAEL OWEN MUST PLAY

Stats prove he is most clinical finisher in Premier League this season

MICHAEL OWEN - top gun

By TIM ALLAN, 09/05/2009

MICHAEL OWEN is the most clinical finisher in the Premier League this season.

That is the shock finding of new stats which reveal the Newcastle striker's incredible ratio of goals to shots ahead of tomorrow's vital relegation derby with Middlesbrough.

Owen has scored eight goals from just 27 shots this season - a strike rate of very nearly 30 per cent, which puts him way clear of players like Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney.

That strike rate makes it all the more surprising that Newcastle boss Alan Shearer dropped Owen for the 3-0 defeat to Liverpool last week.

Owen, 29, is likely to figure against Middlesbrough as boss Shearer searches for the first win of his managerial career.

Shearer said: "Michael's got a fantastic record for both club and country - he brings experience and an eye for goal that makes him invaluable.

"Whether you play him or not is a different matter, I think his experience is vital but I think he still has a lot to offer, even if that is from the bench as an impact player.

"I don't think it takes a genius to work out that Michael will score goals whatever team you put him in if you create chances.

"Michael's probably not as quick as he was when he started out, he'll tell you that himself. But you probably have to adjust as you get older, not just because of injury but because of age, and because of systems and because of what environment you are playing in.

"He still maintains ma great eye for goal that, in the right circumstances, can prove decisive. You have to adjust as you get older but that can bring out another side to your game and how you approach different situations.''

Gareth Southgate's Boro side have an unenviable record this season - the player who has taken the most shots but has still not scored.

That is England winger Stewart Downing, who has taken 59 shots this season without finding the target.

Boro have scored just 25 goals this season and will need to improve to beat Newcastle at St James' Park.

Data provided by Castrol. Visit www.castrolfootball.com for more insight

Your comments

This article has 2 comments

Actually this means that he is getting good service from the middlefield players............... if he is given more chances he will score more goals he just needs better service

By Abaza.. Posted May 10 2009 at 3:59 PM.

That doesnt make him one of the best finishers in the league.. just that he doesnt get enough shots off.
look at ronaldo.. 98 shots 17 goals
gerrard.. 87 shots 13 goals
owen.. 27 shots 8 goals
he still doesnt score enough goals. Hes never been a 20 goals a season player.. and this season he isnt even at 10 goals a season.
and yet APPARENTLY hes the best finisher in the league... hahah

By Adam.. Posted May 10 2009 at 5:22 AM.

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