Twenty-nine-year-old defender Joe Gomez is nearing the top ten for the highest number of Premier League appearances without scoring a goal. The player successfully scored from the penalty spot during a penalty shootout victory against Chelsea on Wednesday. Gomez, preparing for a Carabao Cup quarter-final against Bournemouth, is running out of opportunities to escape this dubious distinction. The former Charlton youth player is still seeking his first professional career goal. This frustration prompted Gomez to post a playful message on Instagram after defeating Chelsea, sharing photos with the caption, "Does that count?"
Gomez is currently two matches away from entering the top ten for most top-flight appearances by an outfield player without a goal. The 15-cap England international has played 172 top-flight matches prior to Liverpool meeting Arsenal on Sunday. Should he play against the Gunners or Crystal Palace on November 8 without scoring, Gomez will equal former Tottenham left-back Justin Edinburgh. Similar goalscoring struggles have affected players like former Republic of Ireland international Kenny Cunningham, who failed to score in 335 games for Wimbledon and Birmingham. Everton player Tony Hibbert finished his career without scoring in 265 matches, while England figures Des Walker and Richard Shaw never scored in the Premier League. Former Liverpool centre-back Stephane Henchoz played 243 scoreless games, alongside Danny Simpson, Steve Potts, Lucas Radebe, and Alan Kimble.
