There’s a neat point buried in your post — teams don’t always need a traditional high-scoring No.9 to push for a title. Gyokeres at Arsenal is a good example; as you say he’s on 11 goals and has found the net in only eight of 29 games, with his only top-half scalps coming against Everton (twice). It’s similar to how some of our strikers have looked this season.
Why numbers don't tell the whole story
Goals are the obvious stat, but they miss context. A striker who drops deep, links play or drags defenders can open space for others. Pressing from the front can force errors and create chances for midfield runners. Managers and teams set up to get results, not to make their centre-forward top scorer. So when a club piles up points, the raw goals column can look underwhelming even if the striker is doing the job required by the system.
Comparing Gyokeres and Chermiti
Both are first seasons at new clubs, which matters. New leagues, new teammates, different demands — that takes time. You picked out that Gyokeres’ goals have mostly come against a single top-half side; that’s a fair stat to note. Chermiti’s profile has felt different at times, but the wider point stands: impact isn’t only measured in solo finishing stats. Timing of goals, contribution to build-up and how the team manages games are all part of the picture.
What it means for Rangers fans
To be fair, it’s tempting to moan about our strikers, but this is a reminder that team balance matters more than one man’s tally. If the rest of the side pulls its weight — defence, midfield runners, set-pieces — you can still win the league. Does that excuse poor finishing forever? No. But it should temper the hysterics a bit. We want a striker who scores lots. We also want a team that wins trophies.
Conclusion
So yes, your comparison holds up. Both Arsenal and ourselves can function without a classic high-volume No.9, at least for a season. It’s a useful reality check: form, fit and function around the striker often matter more than headline goal numbers. If the team is doing the business, the goals will follow — or at least we’ll still be lifting silverware.
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