Road to Premier League Golden Boot: Palmer, Ollie Watkins and Erling Haaland remaining fixtures
Road to Premier League Golden Boot: Palmer, Ollie Watkins and Erling Haaland remaining fixtures
Cole Palmer is now level with Erling Haaland in the race for the Premier League Golden Boot after his remarkable four-goal haul against Everton on Monday evening. Mauricio Pochettino’s side defeated the Toffees 6-0 at Stamford Bridge, with Palmer an influential figure in the contest as he took his tally in the league to 20 goals for the season.
Scoring the opener after 13 minutes with a sublime curling effort after producing a wonderful piece of skill, five minutes later he doubled his and Chelsea’s lead with a close-range header after Jordan Pickford could only palm the ball into his path. The 21-year-old was then to complete his treble in style as he lobbed England’s No.1 from distance following a misplaced pass from the shot-stopper.
Palmer added a fourth from the penalty spot 19 minutes into the second half, before later receiving a standing ovation from all four stands at Stamford Bridge following a devastating performance. Looking like an outsider to claim the Golden Boot after his hat-trick against Manchester United two weeks ago, the attacker is now firmly in the race for the top honour as he competes against his former Man City teammate Haaland.
So who exactly do the likes of Haaland, Palmer and Ollie Watkins face in their remaining games of the 2023/24 season? football.london takes a look below.
Cole Palmer (20 goals)
Remaining games: Arsenal (A), Aston Villa (A), Tottenham (H), West Ham (H), Nottingham Forest (A), Brighton & Hove Albion (A), Bournemouth (H).
What could potentially work in Palmer’s favour in the race for the Golden Boot is that he has an one extra game to play on Haaland and two extra on Watkins. The England international is in astonishing form at present and more goals will follow for him in what remains of the 2023/24 season.
Chelsea’s next three league fixtures are extremely tricky but Palmer will go into them feeling he is going to score given his remarkable form in front of goal of late.
Erling Haaland (20 goals)
Remaining games: Brighton & Hove Albion (A), Nottingham Forest (A), Wolves (H), Fulham (A), Tottenham (A), West Ham (H).
The Premier League title race has now swung in Man City’s favour and Haaland is going to be a pivotal figure as they look to make it four titles in a row. The Norwegian hasn’t been as prolific in the Premier League this year but he should get plenty of chances on goal in the run-in as Pep Guardiola’s team take things up another gear in their title quest.
City do have a good end to the season when you look at their fixtures, and Haaland is understandably still the favourite to regain the Premier League Golden Boot gong.
Ollie Watkins (19 goals)
Remaining games: Bournemouth (H), Chelsea (H), Brighton & Hove Albion (A), Liverpool (H), Crystal Palace (A).
Watkins only has five Premier League games of the season remaining as he looks to try and get his hands on the Golden Boot. The Aston Villa man has enjoyed a fine campaign under Unai Emery and he has already scored four more goals in the league compared to last campaign.
Villa are in a great position to secure Champions League football as things stand and Watkins is going to be crucial as they look to beat Tottenham to fourth.
Alexander Isak (17 goals)
Remaining games: Crystal Palace (A), Sheffield United (H), Burnley (A), Brighton & Hove Albion (H), Manchester United (A), Brentford (A).
Isak is in excellent form at present and he could spring a surprise in the race for the Golden Boot over the next month. Newcastle have endured a mixed campaign compared to last season with plenty of injury woes, but they are still very much in the fight for European football.
The Magpies do have a favourable end to the season and Isak will have the opportunity to add to his tally in their final six games as they come up against the likes of Sheffield United, Burnley and Brentford.
Mohamed Salah (17 goals)
Remaining games: Fulham (A), Everton (A), West Ham (A), Tottenham (H), Aston Villa (A), Wolves (H).
Liverpool really could do with Salah stepping up and rediscovering his best form following their shock defeat against Crystal Palace on Sunday. The Premier League title is now in Man City’s hands and Liverpool have to hope there is another twist along the way as Jurgen Klopp aims to finish his Anfield tenure with a title victory.
Salah, who only has two goals in his last five league appearances, has an awful lot to do if he is to pip one of Haaland, Palmer or Watkins to the Golden Boot.
Dominic Solanke (17 goals)
Remaining games: Aston Villa (A), Wolves (A), Brighton & Hove Albion (H), Arsenal (A), Brentford (H), Chelsea (A).
Solanke is in the running to get his hands on the Premier League Golden Boot after an outstanding season with Bournemouth on the south coast. The Cherries do have some very tricky away games to come in their final six fixtures, with visits to Aston Villa, Arsenal and Chelsea all on the calendar.
Solanke may struggle to overhaul Haaland and Co. in what remains of the term but he can very pleased with his season overall after scoring for fun.
