The 2022/23 Premier League season came to an end on Sunday afternoon, captivating football fans all over the world. The focus on the final was on the relegation battle after Manchester City had already won the league title and the top four had been decided. Former champions Leicester City and Leeds United joined Southampton, who were already relegated, in the final relegation spots.
The season, however, will be remembered for its incredible goal total. It was the highest-scoring 38-game season in Premier League history, with 1,084 goals scored. The league also saw a record-breaking performance by Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, who scored 36 goals in a single Premier League season, setting a new standard for the most goals scored by a player in a single Premier League season.
Among the players adding their talent to the Premier League were nine Ghanaian stars, led by Black Stars captain Andre Ayew. The Ghanaian contingent, including Thomas Partey, Jeffrey Schlupp, Jordan Ayew, Antoine Semenyo, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Mohammed Salisu, Daniel Amartey, and Tariq Lamptey, played their part, contributing a total of 13 goals. Out of the eight players, only five managed to find the back of the net, with the fifth scorer emerging on the final day of the season.
Below, we highlight Ghana’s top scorers in the Premier League:
Jordan Ayew – Crystal Palace (4 goals)
The Ghana striker concluded the season with four goals, featuring in all 38 games. Ayew opened his goal account in the 9th week, finding the net against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. After a goalless streak, he struck again in the 18th week, scoring against Bournemouth. Following a 13-game dry spell, Ayew’s brace against Leeds United brought his tally to four. He then wrapped up his campaign with a goal against West Ham. It’s worth noting that Ayew’s versatility often sees him deployed as a winger or in midfield, making his goal return commendable.
Thomas Partey – Arsenal (three goals)
The midfielder showcased his unrivalled skill set, although his form dwindled towards the end of the season. Nonetheless, this marked his most impressive season since joining the Premier League side Arsenal. Partey found the net three times in 33 appearances, including a memorable strike against the Gunners’ North London rivals, Tottenham Hotspur. That goal stands as one of the standout moments of the season.
Jeffrey Schlupp – Crystal Palace (three goals)
Having been omitted from Ghana’s World Cup squad, Schlupp had a solid season, registering three goals in 34 games. The versatile midfielder’s performances earned him a contract extension with Crystal Palace, and he will strive to improve his goal tally next season.
Kamaldeen Sulemana – Southampton (two goals)
Arriving at Southampton in January for a club-record fee of £22 million from Rennes, the winger made an immediate impact. Although his two goals came late in the season, notably both against Liverpool on the final matchday, Sulemana demonstrated why he warranted the substantial investment. His second goal, in which he carried the ball from his own half, outmanoeuvred the Liverpool defence and produced a brilliant finish, epitomised his potential.
Antoine Semenyo – Bournemouth (1 goal)
Another January acquisition, Semenyo joined Bournemouth from Championship side Bristol City, where he had already notched 14 goals over one and a half seasons. The club have high hopes for the talented striker, who showcased glimpses of his brilliance, particularly with a fine goal against Leeds United. Unfortunately, his season was cut short due to a shin injury, but he aims to return stronger and more determined next season.
Ghana captain Andre Ayew, who joined Nottingham Forest in January, made 13 appearances but unfortunately did not find the back of the net. Similarly, Tariq Lamptey, despite making over 20 appearances, was unable to contribute goals due to a series of injury setbacks, the same as Mohammed Salisu. Meanwhile, Daniel Amartey’s inconsistent performances meant that he did not feature among the goal scorers, which is not entirely surprising.
The 2022/23, however, is the best Ghanaian season in terms of goals in the last five seasons: 6 goals in 2018/19, 12 goals in 2019/20, 5 goals in 2020/21, and 9 goals in 2021/22.
