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Striking gold

Alvaro Morata, Sergio Aguero, Romelu Lukaku, Harry Kane… which Premier League striker has had the best start to 2017-18?

THE Premier League is truly blessed with some phenomenal striking talent this season.

There have been goals flying in all over the country so far this term, with a host of forwards already averaging a goal a game.

 Sergio Aguero is one of three Prem strikers to score six times already this term
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Sergio Aguero is one of three Prem strikers to score six times already this termCredit: AFP
 Harry Kane appears to have put his August woes behind him
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Harry Kane appears to have put his August woes behind himCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

Four men who have enjoyed a hot start to 2017-18 are Alvaro Morata, Sergio Aguero, Romelu Lukaku and Harry Kane.

Between them, the star quartet have bagged no fewer than 22 goals - after just six rounds of fixutres.

But which of the talented foursome has enjoyed the best start to this term?

We take a look at the stats to get to the bottom of just who is the Premier League's No1 hitman...

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BEGINNER'S LUK? Romelu Lukaku has officially enjoyed the best ever start of any Manchester United forward in the Premier League era


 Romelu Lukaku has been firing in the goals for fun at Man United in 2017-18
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Romelu Lukaku has been firing in the goals for fun at Man United in 2017-18Credit: Getty


GIMME MOR Chelsea star Alvaro Morata’s six goals in six games is the second-best start for any Blues forward in the Premier League era


FINISHING - Alvaro Morata

 Alvaro Morata has been arguably the best striker in the Premier League this season
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Alvaro Morata has been arguably the best striker in the Premier League this seasonCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

AS mentioned three of our four striking heroes have already netted six goals this season... but it is Morata who has been the most clinical.

The former Real Madrid man's goals have come with a fantastic conversion rate of 30 per cent.

Meanwhile, Aguero has found the back of the net with 26 per cent of his efforts, while Lukaku is further back on 22 per cent.

Kane's August antics have seen his figure dip dramatically, with a conversion rate of just ten per cent.

CREATING - Sergio Aguero

 Sergio Aguero has been in typically sublime form for Man City this season
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Sergio Aguero has been in typically sublime form for Man City this seasonCredit: Reuters

OF course, there is more to a striker's game than simply finding the back of the net.

The artistry of a forward is to involve his team-mates in attack in one well-oiled machine and in that instance, it's Aguero is the top dog.

The Argentine star has created 14 chances, with three ending in assists.

Morata has two assists, but just six chances created, while Lukaku has created ten and laid on one assist.

Again it's Kane running in last, with seven chances set-up and zero assists for Tottenham this term.

RUNNING - Alvaro Morata

 Alvaro Morata is now the leading man at Chelsea after a stunning start to the season
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Alvaro Morata is now the leading man at Chelsea after a stunning start to the seasonCredit: Getty

STRIKERS who put themselves about on the pitch are often rewarded... with Morata again leading the way this season in the running stakes.

The Spaniard averages 10.3km travelled per 90 minutes, ahead of Kane and Aguero (both 10km) and Lukaku, way back on 9km.

Morata averages the second-most sprints per game on 57, one behind Aguero (58) and miles ahead of Lukaku (47) and Kane (37).

In terms of pace, Lukaku is quickest with a top speed of 34.6km/h, ahead of Morata (34.3km/h), Kane (33.3km/h) and Aguero (33.1km/h).

OVERALL - Alvaro Morata

 Alvaro Morata scored a stunning hat-trick away to Stoke at the weekend
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Alvaro Morata scored a stunning hat-trick away to Stoke at the weekendCredit: Getty

COMING out in the No1 spot for his running and finishing skills see Chelsea star Morata be crowned the best striker of 2017-18 so far.

Aguero comes in second for his astonishing creating ability, with Lukaku coming in third.

Kane is the No4 striker for now as he sits last in goals, shot conversion, assists and sprints attempted... but he has plenty of time to turn that all around.


KAN YOU BELIEVE IT? Harry Kane has hit the woodwork five times in the Premier League in 2017-18… more than any other TEAM combined


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