Best Premier League Goalscorers For Teams Outside The Big 6
The Premier League has long been dominated by the so-called ‘Big Six’—Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Tottenham Hotspur. However, beyond these footballing giants, numerous players have etched their names into Premier League history by becoming top goalscorers for their respective clubs.
EPLNews brings you today the most prolific goalscorers from teams outside the Big Six, highlighting their contributions and legacies.
Jamie Vardy (Leicester City)
Jamie Vardy’s journey from non-league football to Premier League stardom is nothing short of remarkable. Joining Leicester City in 2012 from Fleetwood Town, Vardy played a pivotal role in the Foxes’ fairytale 2015–16 Premier League title win.
As of now, he has amassed 143 Premier League goals in 333 appearances, making him Leicester’s all-time top scorer in the competition. Vardy’s pace, tenacity, and clinical finishing have been instrumental in Leicester’s sustained competitiveness in the league.
Gabriel Agbonlahor (Aston Villa)
A product of Aston Villa’s youth academy, Gabriel Agbonlahor spent his entire Premier League career with the Villans. Between 2005 and 2018, he scored 73 league goals, making him the club’s top scorer in the Premier League era.
Agbonlahor’s speed and versatility allowed him to operate both as a central striker and on the wings, making him a constant threat to opposition defences.
Michail Antonio (West Ham United)
Michail Antonio’s rise to prominence is a testament to perseverance and adaptability. Starting his career in non-league football, Antonio joined West Ham United in 2015. Initially playing as a winger and even as a right-back, he transitioned to a central attacking role, where he flourished.
In 2021, Antonio became West Ham’s all-time top Premier League scorer, surpassing Paolo Di Canio’s record of 47 goals. This season he has continued to be an important part of the Hammers’ EPL campaign until a terrible car crash ruled him out indefinitely in autumn.
Callum Wilson (Newcastle United)
Since joining Newcastle United from Bournemouth in 2020, Callum Wilson has been a consistent goal scorer for the Magpies. His sharp movement and predatory instincts have made him a vital asset, especially in crucial matches.
Wilson’s contributions have been pivotal in Newcastle’s recent campaigns, helping them maintain their Premier League status and push for higher league positions.
Troy Deeney (Watford)
Troy Deeney epitomises loyalty and resilience. Joining Watford in 2010, he played a crucial role in their promotion to the Premier League in 2015. Deeney’s physical presence and leadership qualities made him indispensable for the Hornets. He netted 47 Premier League goals for Watford before departing in 2021, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and passion.
Danny Ings (Burnley and Southampton)
Danny Ings has showcased his goal-scoring prowess at multiple clubs outside the Big Six. Starting with Burnley, Ings made a significant impact before moving to Liverpool. After overcoming injury setbacks, he revitalised his career at Southampton, where he consistently found the back of the net. Ings’ intelligent positioning and clinical finishing have earned him recognition as one of the league’s most reliable strikers.
He is currently plying his trade with West Ham, where he has not hit the heights of his earlier years.
Kevin Phillips (Sunderland)
Kevin Phillips’ 30-goal haul in the 1999–2000 season remains the highest by an Englishman in a Premier League campaign. Playing for Sunderland, Phillips’ lethal finishing earned him the European Golden Shoe, a rare accolade for a player outside the traditional powerhouses. His contributions were instrumental in establishing Sunderland as a formidable side during his tenure.
Rickie Lambert (Southampton)
Rickie Lambert’s journey from the lower leagues to Premier League prominence with Southampton is inspiring. Joining the Saints in 2009, Lambert played a pivotal role in their rise from League One to the Premier League. Known for his precise finishing and aerial prowess, he scored 28 Premier League goals for Southampton before moving to Liverpool in 2014.
Mark Viduka (Leeds United and Middlesbrough)
Australian striker Mark Viduka made a significant impact in the Premier League with both Leeds United and Middlesbrough. Known for his strength and technical ability, Viduka scored memorable goals, including a four-goal haul against Liverpool in 2000.
His contributions were vital in Leeds’ impressive runs in both domestic and European competitions during the early 2000s.
Chris Sutton (Blackburn Rovers)
Chris Sutton formed a formidable partnership with Alan Shearer at Blackburn Rovers, leading to the club’s Premier League title win in 1994–95. Sutton’s versatility allowed him to play both as a striker and a defender. He scored 47 Premier League goals for Blackburn before moving to Chelsea in 1999.
Yakubu Aiyegbeni (Portsmouth, Middlesbrough and Blackburn Rovers)
Nigerian striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni was known for his goal-scoring consistency across several Premier League clubs. He scored 95 Premier League goals, with significant contributions at Portsmouth, Middlesbrough, and Blackburn Rovers. Yakubu’s strength and finishing ability made him a formidable forward during his time in England.
Jermain Defoe (West Ham United, Portsmouth and Sunderland)
Jermain Defoe’s illustrious Premier League career saw him become one of the league’s top scorers. While he had stints with Tottenham Hotspur, his contributions to clubs outside the Big Six, such as West Ham United, Portsmouth, and Sunderland, were significant. Defoe’s agility and sharp shooting earned him 162 Premier League goals