Football
Joao Pedro leads EPL pre-season goal chart, Tzolis tops assists
Chelsea forward Joao Pedro has emerged as the Premier League’s leading pre-season scorer, while Arsenal summer signing Christos Tzolis tops the assists chart ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
According to the Premier League, Joao Pedro scored seven goals during Chelsea’s pre-season preparations, including a nine-minute hat-trick against Western Sydney Wanderers and braces against AC Milan and Real Sociedad.
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Aston Villa teenager Brian Madjo finished second on the scoring chart with five goals, while Nottingham Forest’s Igor Jesus and Crystal Palace midfielder Matheus Franca recorded four goals each.
Madjo also scored against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup, although he missed Aston Villa’s final pre-season fixture against Borussia Monchengladbach amid reports of an injury.
With the Premier League season scheduled to begin on Friday, August 21, the pre-season statistics provide an early indication of players who could make an impact in the new campaign.
Top Premier League pre-season goalscorers
| Player | Goals | Club |
|---|---|---|
| Joao Pedro | 7 | Chelsea |
| Brian Madjo | 5 | Aston Villa |
| Matheus Franca | 4 | Crystal Palace |
| Igor Jesus | 4 | Nottingham Forest |
| Evanilson | 3 | Bournemouth |
| Justin Kluivert | 3 | Bournemouth |
| Igor Thiago | 3 | Brentford |
| Eddie Nketiah | 3 | Crystal Palace |
| Thierno Barry | 3 | Everton |
| Dominic Calvert-Lewin | 3 | Leeds United |
| Lukas Nmecha | 3 | Leeds United |
| Bryan Mbeumo | 3 | Manchester United |
| Arnaud Kalimuendo | 3 | Nottingham Forest |
| Enzo Le Fee | 3 | Sunderland |
| Richarlison | 3 | Tottenham Hotspur |
Meanwhile, Tzolis has emerged as the Premier League’s leading pre-season assist provider, registering six assists for Arsenal.
The Greek winger provided two assists in Arsenal’s 3-0 Community Shield victory over Manchester City on Sunday and also earned a Fantasy assist after winning a penalty against Borussia Dortmund.
Manchester City’s Antoine Semenyo follows with five assists from four matches, while Aston Villa’s Emiliano Buendia recorded four.
Top Premier League pre-season assisters
| Player | Assists | Club |
|---|---|---|
| Christos Tzolis | 6 | Arsenal |
| Antoine Semenyo | 5 | Manchester City |
| Emiliano Buendia | 4 | Aston Villa |
| Daniel Jebbison | 3 | Bournemouth |
| Jamie Gittens | 3 | Chelsea |
| Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall | 3 | Everton |
| Morgan Gibbs-White | 3 | Nottingham Forest |
| Mathys Tel | 3 | Tottenham Hotspur |
Tzolis’ impressive form comes after his move to Arsenal from Club Brugge and adds to the growing expectations surrounding the 24-year-old ahead of his first Premier League campaign with the Gunners. His two assists in the Community Shield also helped Arsenal secure their first silverware of the season.
The new Premier League season kicks off on Friday, with defending champions Arsenal hosting newly promoted Coventry City. Chelsea will also begin their campaign against Fulham, as players who impressed during pre-season look to carry their form into competitive action.