From Mateta to Delap: The Premier League’s Biggest xG Underperformers - Who’s Wasting the Most Chances? | OneFootball

Is Expected Goals (xG) the best statistic to determine a player's reliability in front of goal? The data-boffins believe so.

After running through the biggest xGover-performers earlier this week, it's time to list those who haven't quite hit the mark.

5. Liam Delap - Chelsea (-2.71)

Liam Delap had a queue of clubs knocking at his door last summer. An impressive 12 goals in a relegated Ipswich Town team turned the heads of rivalPremier League sides, with Chelsea winning the race.

Delap hasn't quite found his feet at Stamford Bridge. The forward has started just nine league games and has picked up more bookings (2) than goals scored (1). There's room for improvement, with an xG under-performance of -2.71 goals.

4. Ollie Watkins - Aston Villa (-2.9)

Ollie Watkins took time to get going this season with theAston Villa forward scoring just once before December. That goal drought has contributed to an xG under-performance from Watkins, even if the goals have started to flow more freely in recent weeks. Watkins has netted five times in his last six games.

3. Bruno Fernandes - Manchester United (-3.06)

It's difficult to criticise Bruno Fernandes this season. TheManchester United captain has (again) been a standout for his team, leading the Premier League for assists (12) and big chances created (16).

Fernandes could sharpen up a little around goal, however, with penalty misses againstFulham and Brentford contributing to his place on this list.

2. David Brooks - Bournemouth (-4.03)

A return of one league goal from an xG of 5.03 has David Brooks sat second on this list. The winger should perhaps take some tips from Wales teammate Harry Wilson - thePremier League's biggest xG over-performer this season.

1. Jean-Philippe Mateta - Crystal Palace (-4.49)

No player has squandered more goalscoring opportunities than Jean-Philippe Mateta this season, according to xG date.

Despite netting a respectable eight league goals this season, Matetashould have had a few more.

The Frenchman is the biggest culprit ofCrystal Palace's profligate campaign, with no team across Europe's top five leagues more wasteful than the Eagles.