
Mikel Arteta's recent terminology of "finishers" cannot replace the well-known term "super subs" in football when describing players who make significant impacts off the bench. This article ranks those players known for their game-changing abilities when introduced late in matches.
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An honorary mention goes to Adam le Fondre, who holds the record for most goals off the bench in a single Premier League season with five of his eight in January 2013. Hernan Crespo has the best goals-per-game ratio among substitutes, but his total of six goals in 16 appearances is quite limited. Meanwhile, Mark Robins, who netted five in 14 substitute outings, also missed out on the top ten.
To feature in the all-time top 10 super subs, players must have shown consistent performance by providing goals and assists throughout their careers.
10. Theo Walcott ranks as the most substituted player in Premier League history with 168 appearances off the bench. However, he earned his place here for his effective contributions, totaling 14 assists and 10 goals across his time with Arsenal, Everton, and Southampton, placing him fourth in overall goal contributions as a substitute.
9. Victor Anichebe, who played for Everton, West Brom, and Sunderland, scored half of his Premier League goals as a substitute. With 13 goals and five assists coming off the bench, he ties for eighth on the all-time list.
8. Daniel Sturridge scored 17 of his 76 Premier League goals after being substituted, along with making seven assists. His percentage of goals from the bench is slightly higher than that of Danny Welbeck, who continues to play.
7. Olivier Giroud, a World Cup and Champions League winner, accounts for 21 of his 90 premier league goals as a substitute. He made 103 substitute appearances over his Premier League career, showing a natural knack for scoring crucial goals.
6. Tore Andre Flo was known for his skillful play despite his size. Scoring 34% of his Premier League goals as a substitute, he ranks among the leaders for contributions off the bench.
5. Javier Hernandez, known as "Chicharito," netted 19 goals as a substitute across 78 appearances. His productivity puts him among the best in scoring frequently for his teams.
4. Edin Dzeko scored 50 goals in the Premier League, with a quarter coming off the bench. He also registered 17 assists, demonstrating an excellent minutes-per-goal statistic, contributing every 63 minutes played as a substitute.
3. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is perhaps the most recognizable super sub, known for his last-minute goal in the Champions League final for Manchester United in 1999. He scored 19% of his 91 league goals after coming off the bench.
2. Nwankwo Kanu made a notable impact upon joining Arsenal, where he scored 17 goals as a substitute, contributing to his team's success. With 12 assists, he ranks high in both scoring and creating opportunities off the bench.
1. Jermain Defoe holds the all-time record for substitute goals in the Premier League with 24, netting in more different matches than any other player. His record includes five match-winning goals and a reputation as a reliable replacement for managers in need of a goal.