Gyalsey Cup Update

This is to inform all that, the Gyalsey Cup season 3 which was scheduled to kick of from 15th of April 2018 had now been postponed to 25th of April 2018.

During the Executive Meeting of the Sarpang-Gelephu Sport Association (SGSA), the decision had been made day before yesterday. The tournament had been postponed because the NC election falls on the 20th of April, and most of the team members and other officials are engaged for the NC Election duty. so therefore the SGSA has decided to postponed to the above mentioned date.

The team manager/captains meeting will be held on the 15th of April 2016, as per the information heard from the reliable sources. hereby, we would like to inform all the football lovers to please note the point and follow up with us for further information.

The SGSA are highly regretted for the inconvenience causes

The Gelephu Referees Department has selected the match officials for the tournament. following are the name list:

1. Pema Norbu
2. Ugyen Dorji
3. Pema 
4. Passang
5. Tashi Wangchuk
6. Sherab Dema
7. Karma Wangmo
8. Pema Wangchuk
9. Ugyen Pem
10. Nima Norbu
11. Drowa Zangmo
12. Tashi Phuntsho

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Bhutan now will have twelve more qualify AFC A-license Coaches

Of the 18 coaches who underwent Asian Football Confederation (AFC) A-license advanced coaching course in December last year, 12 coaches qualified the course.

Dorji Khandu was the lone AFC A-license
holder until the current batch

 Two coaches were put on the provisional pass and three did not get through the course.

Bhutan Football Federation (BFF) received the results after three months from AFC.

BFF and AFC conducted the course to enable up-gradation of coaching license and help enhance skills.

The AFC A-license course was held in the country for the first time in the last 10 years. Of the 13 coaches that took part in the course, six were from the federation and four from the clubs across the country.

Until the recent batch of certified coaches, there was only one AFC A-license holder. Now there are 13 AFC A-license holders in the country.

However, only six coaches holding the AFC A-license work with BFF academy.

The license is certified in all AFC member nations. The certified coaches can avail opportunities to work in AFC member nations.

Holding the B-license for six years, Ugyen Academy FC’s coach, Kinley Dorji, was one of the 12 coaches who successfully completed the course last December.

“The course enabled me to look at the overall development of a player while also looking at the specific skills. The previous course was specified,” he said.

He said that the B-level and C-level coaching courses were focused on amateur and youth teams while the A-level course was focused on professional clubs. “This would make a big difference in club’s football. We would be able to impart our knowledge to the player and accordingly help improve their level of play.”

Competition officer with the federation, Kinley Dorji, said that this batch of coaches would help local clubs to fulfil the requirements mandated by AFC.

The clubs without A-license holder coach cannot compete in AFC club competitions.

Today six local football clubs – Transport United, Thimphu City, Ugyen Academy, Drukstars, High-Quality United, and Druk United are AFC licensed clubs.

BFF academy coach, Pasang Tshering, in a previous interview with Kuensel said that inexperienced coaches were managing local clubs. “The clubs were faced with the shortage of coaches.”

Approximately two coaches are currently left without clubs. However, officials from the federation said the coaches work in schools and institutes.

Kuensel learned that a few clubs taking part in Thimphu league have consulted the federation asking for the coaches.

A-level coaching license holder needs a minimum of two years of a cooling period and has to maintain practical manual while working in the field to pursue pro-license course.

Source: Kuenselonline

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SACCC 2018: Bhutan managed to bag bronze medal

From the beginning of the race, the Indian cross country runners proved to be the dominant team. In the men’s individual category, Pradeep Singh Chaudhary came first by completing the race in just 34 minutes.

The jubilant winner said: “I am feeling very happy as I could not perform well during the Asian Cross Country Championship due to some reasons. I felt very bad during that time. However, after winning this championship today I am feeling like I am on the top of the world.”

The story was no different in the women’s individual category as well. Jhadhav Sanjivani Baburao from India booked the gold medal. She finished the 8km race in just 36 minutes and 20 seconds.

“Back home, we do our trainings at a lower altitude place. But after coming here, the difference in altitude has hampered my performances. However, I am extremely delighted that I won my first gold medal. This is my eleventh international event.”

Meanwhile, for Bhutanese men’s team, the two-month long training did not go in vain as they managed to win the bronze medal in the men’s team category.

“We have only been trained for two months whereas some participants from other countries have been undergoing coaching for more than 8 years. I am extremely happy that I competed with them and we won the bronze medal for the country,” told Sangay Wangchuk from team Bhutan to BBS News.

Despite failing to book a top spot in the women’s category, the Bhutanese women athletes all completed the cross country running courses. Chimi Dema, 22, was the first women to complete the race amongst the four female athletes.

“It was a good experience for us, for all the Bhutanese runners to participate with all the competitive runners from other countries. I would love to run with the international runners in the near future,” Chimi added.

The championship saw only four teams in women’s category since there was no participation of female athletes from Bangladesh and the Maldives.

In the men’s team category, India took away the gold medal followed by Sri Lanka and Bhutan. Team Sri Lanka came first in the women’s team category, India second and Nepal in the third place.

The Bhutan Amateur Athletic Federation organised the day-long international event for the very first time in Bhutan. Six South Asian countries participated in the event and they are: Bhutan, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

Source: www.bbs.bt (BBS)

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HISTORY OF FOOTBALL IN BHUTAN

Bhutanese National Football Team existed since the 1970s, and football in olden times was played with much dedication and passion. The sport fans during the matches in the changlimathang stadium was much more in past than today. Beside lots of limitations in all aspects the sport was popular within the Bhutanese society. It is fair to state that standard of football was high but it is much faster, stronger, higher, technical and tactical in today’s football.

In 1983 Bhutan Football Association was founded as the governing body of the development of the sport in the Nation. In 1993 it was rename as Bhutan Football Federation and was affiliated with AFC and in 2000 affiliated with FIFA. As Bhutan Olympic Committee is the sole agent of the sports development in Nation, Bhutan Football Federation is also one of the Federations under the BOC umbrella.

The first President was Lyonpo Dawa Tshering and Dasho Ugyen Dorji was the first General Secretary of the Federation. The executive members consist of President, Vice-Presidents, Treasurer and other members but all the members were working on volunteer bases.

During its initial stages, sport might have struggled with limitations of technically sound persons, lack of infrastructures, equipment and no opportunity to participate in international competitions. Beside limitations the Bhutanese National Team had very talented and skillful players at that time. As of now I could remember only few names i.e. Abai Gurung, Pema Dorji, Mini and K.B.Basnet which were very popular in this region.

The first international match Bhutan played was in Nepal with Nepal on April 1, 1982 and Bhutan lost 1-3 score. The first National level match was organized in 1986 and Royal Bhutan Army was the winner of the competition. The facilities in the past were obviously not that good in all aspects. In today’s football we are at least equipped with handful of technically sound coaches, match officials and qualified managers.

After securing affiliation with AFC and FIFA the development and major changes in sport was see as the Federation is entitled for annual subsidiary funds, which enable the functioning of the Federation and development of sport in the Nation. As the member of FIFA, Federation has completed 1st FIFA Goal Project and the 2nd Project is under construction. These FIFA Goal Projects builds sport infrastructures in the Nation which contributes for the development of tomorrow’s players which is vital in modern trends of football. The new generation of players in the days to come depends on how we nurture them in the Grassroots stages in these excellent centers buildup by the FIFA funds.

As the present scenario of sports in Bhutan is not professional and athletics hardly makes living out of sports, priorities were given for academic sessions who secure the future profiles of the youths. The lack of infrastructures, human resources, exposures and funds are the major factors that contribute as barriers for the development of the sports. The remedies for these barriers are easy to say but to implement it needs lots of resources.  To develop the sports in Nation it is vital and out most important to have standard infrastructures in place, qualified professionals in specific sports, qualified Administrators, lots of exposures in international arenas and Professional sports personnel whereby they can make living out of sports. This is also a scenario whereby nobody could be blame as the country in its midst of development has lots of top and genuine priorities to be implemented for its people welfare.

Inline to the philosophy of our beloved Majesty the fourth Druk Gyalpo, it would be wise idea to nurture sports and GNH side by side as sports would contribute lots for achieving the GNH. Bhutan Football Federation has very clear vision of nurturing the players from their golden age of learning and we want the coming generation to be the Pro-Generation. Bhutan Football Federation wants today’s youth to participate in sports actively and seriously, which would contribute for the healthier and happier citizens in the days to come. So, through sports we want to bring some changes and we are striking to achieve our goals and we have faith with the stake holders for their supports.

We have few popular players in the National squad and they are also quite senior, we would like to put up some names i.e. Passang, Pema, Ngwang, Chenco and Kinley Dorji. To be honest as we are not professional there is only a very little difference between our national players in their performance.

Bhutanese citizen very often gets upset with results of the national team while playing in international arenas; it is fact as a true Bhutanese who want to see his/her nation losing badly. But the facts are; we as a Bhutanese should ask some questions to ourselves: Are we professional? Do we have players regularly practicing and playing? Do we have infrastructures? What is the preparation budget and duration? Do we have enough exposures before the competitions? Do we have excellent centers for development of players? Do we have adequate man power and qualified professionals? Things don’t happen overnight and still Bhutan is in its embryonic stage in sports comparing to other part of globe. But with the FIFA Goal Projects injecting the infrastructures and Bhutan Football Federation going for long term development, we are pretty sure we could bring smile in Bhutanese faces sooner or later.

It would of great benefits if we could host the major competitions in the nations but as of now we lack lots for hosting such competitions honestly. But we are optimist as saying goes “ whatever the mind of human can conceive and believe, it can be achieve” so, if we Bhutanese could conceive and believe to host the major games like FIFA competitions,  it can be achieved but when and how depends how we plan and execute the coming days.

 Football not only has to provide the opportunity for youngsters to develop the skills that are peculiar to game; it also has to help them develop their personality, their psychological and social skills. Beside development of future players, it is essential to remember that the game of football has a wider role to play and that it has to include basic education values as part of its agenda. Football has to provide a real school of life, a school that is prepared to train and develop not only the elite players of tomorrow but also all of those youngsters who are passionate about the game and who form the base of the football pyramid that the game needs to ensure its continued progress.

Football is also for the good of the community. The sport supported the first-ever World Blood Donor Day and as part of the joint project run by WHO and other organizations, contributed again financially to fight against cholera in Mozambique, one of the country’s most affected by this insidious disease. The sport also conducts special football for peace and unification of the people. The sport support and promote the Millennium Development Goals that were agreed by UN member states in 2000. They include the fight against hunger, disease, illiteracy, environmental damage and discrimination against women and child. So in short football as became the ambassador to facilitate the peace and prosperity globally.

Source: BFF, Bhutan

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3rd Season of Gyalsey Cup, 2018

Gyalsey Cup

The most awaited, exciting and on of the major Football (Soccer) tournament in Gelephu, the "Gyalsey Cup" 3rd Season, Organized by Sarpang Gelephu Sport Association (SGSA) Open Football Tournament is coming soon in April 2018.

Gyalsey Cup Logo

As per the information heard from the Football Secretary, Mr. Gaymbo Gyeltshen, the Gyalsey Cup will kick-off from the 15th of April 2018 with the theme "Together By Football". The tournament has seen lot's of good teams participating from all regions from Bhutan and also teams from neighboring country India, Assam and West Bengal, India in its previous two season.

The SGSA, is hopping for more teams this season from all over Bhutan and and India. As heard from some reliable sources, there may be teams all the way from Kolkata, Sikkim, Sillong, and Darjeeling, but not confirmed yet. 

Gyalsey Cup Tournament Advertisement Banner

This year the tournament has lots of improvement in terms of matches organization and exciting prizes and many more. The SGSA is really working in the development of the Football in Sarpang, Gelephu and Bhutan as a whole. The BoC and Bhutan Football Federation were always there, supporting SGSA in every possible ways for the development of Football in Bhutan.

The SGSA would like to entertain the the communities of the Sarpang-Gelelphu Regions once again with this lovely tournament.

Keep following blog to keep yourself updated with the Gyalsey Cup.

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Chencho Gyeltshen, Star of Bhutan aim for ISL

CG7 Chencho Gyeltshen (Champions of I-League) MPFC

After helping his team, Minerva Punjab FC, win the I-League in his first season, Chencho Gyeltshen is back in the country. The striker will now join his national teammates to prepare for the away clash with the Maldives.

Chencho’s desire to succeed in the I-League saw him giving everything in every match he played for the Punjab based club. Sharing his delight at winning the league, he said, “from my side, I gave 110 per cent on the pitch so that I can help the team. Football is a team game and I contributed a lot for Minerva.”

But Chencho had to endure several challenges to gain trust from his teammates and the management. He said, “when they heard this player is from Bhutan; they always think that Bhutan football is not so popular and not so good player. So, initially they underestimated me. After one month, they started doing good to me.”

Having taken the I-League by storm and shown the world what he can do, Chencho says, the next big step is to land an Indian Super League contract. “I am planning to play from the ISL from next season. Officially I didn’t receive any offers, its all dealt by the agents. But I got offers from nine – ten agents. So, right now I am talking with these agents,” he added.

With his eyes set on the ISL, Chencho Gyeltshen believes on never giving up to reach one’s goals. He said, “If you know your talent, try to work hard and push yourself. This will take you high one day.”

Source: BBS

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China Vs Bhutan on November 12, 2015

A local head coach will lead the Bhutanese squad on November 12 for the game against China at the He Long Stadium in Changsha, Hunan province.

Although Bhutan Football Federation (BFF) has not decided on who should be leading the team, both Chokey Nima and Pema are on the top of the list for the role of the head coach.

There are unofficial reports linking the former Pune FC coach, Karim Bencherifa to be the new coach of Bhutan. However, BFF officials said nothing is confirmed on hiring  new coach.

Chokey Nima, the man who delivered the nation’s first historic win against Sri Lanka in the first round of the World Cup qualifier, may once again head the team against China. The technical director with the federation is currently heading the under-19 national team.

Another option is Pema, the interim head coach who took over the team after the premature departure of the Japanese coach. Pema who gave a new hope to the team during the game against Hong Kong on Tuesday might as well be likely option for the federation.

After the performance of the squad under him that stunned the Hongkongers on the home ground, Pema might once again lead the team in China. He had been serving as the assistant coach during the whole qualification rounds.

Meanwhile, as a gesture of appreciation BFF has announced that each member of the squad would be given a sum of Nu 25,000 each on the “brilliant performance” delivered by the players against Hong Kong. The news was first broken on the federations’ Facebook page after the match.

The team also received a cake from Their Majesties on the eve of Their Majesties’ fourth wedding anniversary on Tuesday.

Source: Kuenselonline

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Bhutan Head coach Norio wanted to leave BFF

Bhutan Head Coach: Nario Tsukitate

Head coach Norio Tsukitate was released from his duties with effect from yesterday, after a disagreement between the coach and the manager of the team broke midway through the Bhutan-Maldives game on Thursday.

Bhutan Football Federation’s (BFF) president, Ugen Tsechup Dorji said that the expulsion of the Japanese coach by BFF at half time of the game as mentioned in the social networking sites was ‘absolutely untrue.’

The president said that without any prior consultation with the federation the coach decided own his own to leave the team. He said that while he was heading towards the locker room to congratulate the Bhutanese team, he walked into the Japanese coach who was bidding farewell to the players.

“It came to me as a surprise when I saw the coach wishing the players good luck for their future and saying that he was leaving,” the president said.

Ugen Tsechup Dorji said that it is ‘totally unacceptable’ in any profession, to step back from your responsibility midway through an important task. “You are the national coach of the team, it is your responsibility for the better or worst, to be there with the team till the end,” he said. “If he had some issues with management, that is to be left after the game was over. As a professional person he had to see the game through.”

Meanwhile, coach Norio who was at his residence saddened by the incident, told Kuensel that he was asked to leave by the manager of the team after they had an argument. “The vice-president of the federation told me to leave, that is official enough for me to leave the team,” said the coach. “As the head coach I have the control of the game, change players and positions, Hishey was trying to take over my responsibility.”

The coach said that although he did not receive any letter from BFF on his eviction, he said after taking to the Japan Football Association (JFA) on the whole matter, the association have asked him to return. “I have no work here, there is no more training, I’ll return to my family soon,” he said.

The head coach defended his team selection and player positions in the game against Maldives. Tshering Dorji, a midfielder in the squad was put in the front on Thursday. “Tshering is weak on defence, I thought if I placed him in the strike he would have to only control the ball and shoot, which he is good at,” said that coach.

The coach added that Karma Shedrup Tshering was not put in the first 11 because of his busy schedule. The former skipper who is also a pilot with the national airlines couldn’t make it for most of the practise sessions with the team said that coach. “Hishey was insisting me on putting Karma in, I believe they are family,” he said.

However, the president said that as the head coach, he had the control over the team and whether to listen to the manager’s suggestions was solely on him. “It’s how you take it, nobody can order the head coach during the course of the match, he’s the in-charge of the game,” he said.

He also added that there’s a distinct difference in the role of the manager and the vice-president. “Hishey Tshering was there not as the vice-president of the federation but as the manager of the team,” he said. “The verbal order that might have exchanged between the two during the game was not an official order, its just an excuse he had used.”

BFF’s general secretary, Ugyen Wangchhuk said that the general public have the notion that the federation fired the coach but in reality he himself wanted to leave. “We could have sorted the problem in a much better way had he informed us about the problem, instead he decided to remain silent and took the decision himself. This clearly shows he wanted to go,” said the GS.

One of the players on the squad said players had developed a good understanding with the coach. “He was a good coach and we learned a lot,” he said. “But nothing is important than the team, BFF might have taken this decision for the betterment of the team.”

Meanwhile, the Japan Football association wants to study the case in detail.

Norio Tsukitate is the fourth Japanese coach who was sent through a memorandum of understanding between BFF and JFA. The 55-year-old coach took over the national team in March this year.

For the game against Hong Kong on October 13, assistant coach Pema will be taking in-charge of the Bhutanese team.

Source: Kuenselonline

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Bhutan will play against Maldives Today

Bhutan will try to break its duck against Maldives today at the Changlimethang and record the first win in the World Cup qualifiers.

Bhutan had played Maldives, commonly known as Red Snappers, but have never registered a win against the island nation. “We played against them for two to three times and lost all,” a senior Bhutanese international, Passang Tshering said. “But today should be our best opportunity because all our players in form,” he said.

The Maldivian squad arrived in the country yesterday, which was quickly followed by a practice session.

Bhutan’s head coach Norio Tsukitate, in a pre-match press conference yesterday said his players are improving day by day. “The advantage of having young players on the team is that they are constantly evolving with each match,” he said.

Maldives’ new head coach, Ricki Herbert, who took the New Zealand national team into the 2010 World Cup, is expecting an exciting match since both teams placed are at the bottom of the group.

“We’re still in the process of knowing each other. We had our first practise session on Tuesday in Kolkata,” he said. “We’re determined and remain positive about the game despite the short time we spent together.”

“It’s an international game, we expect it to be exciting not only for the players but also to the fans watching,” he said.

Ricki Herbert said his team has developed respect for team Bhutan who is growing in the international front.

Source: Kuenselonline

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Bhutan, Bangladesh match ends in a draw

Bhutan’s forward, Sonam Tobgay scored the goal into the sixth minute of the game. Bangladesh, who had beaten Sri Lanka 2-0 in their group opener, pressed hard to find an equaliser, but could score only at the 77^th minute.

In the group’s A final fixtures, Bhutan will face Sri Lanka and host country Bangladesh against Uzbekistan, tomorrow.

The matches are being played at Bangabandhu National Stadium, in Dhaka.

Source: bbs.com.bt

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GPL Super cup season 2015-2016

Dear Gelephu Premier League (GPL) Members, The Gelephu Super League 2^nd Season will be soon organized, the date and the venue are not yet fixed for the tournament, but will keep you all posted.

So I would like to request all the members to form your teams as per detail below:

1.       BPC

2.       CRRH

3.       RRCO

4.       Shering (Teachers)

5.       Residue’s

Detail of the Tournament:

1. The matches will be played every Saturdays and Sundays only.
2. There will be two matches during Saturdays and Sundays.
3. Tournament will be played in Double-round-Robin League system.
4. The top two teams holding highest point will play the finals.
5. The entry fees for the tournament will be Nu. 2000 per team.

I will be grateful if you can give suggestion on the subject.

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Sterling making his speed last for Liverpool

Tracking data shows Liverpool winger has sprinted more minutes than any player this season

Raheem Sterling has spent more time doing high-speed sprinting than any player

With one goal and no assists in his last seven appearances in the Barclays Premier League, Raheem Sterling's recent drop in form has coincided with one for Liverpool, too.

But the winger cannot be faulted for his efforts in looking to speed things up. Sterling has spent more than 23 minutes at a high-speed sprint in the BPL, the most of all players in the competition.

Next in the list is Everton defender Seamus Coleman, noted for his attacking forays down the right flank, while at No 10 is West Ham United's Carl Jenkinson, who last week equalled the match Moussa Sissoko as running the fastest this season.

Player	Minutes/ high speed sprinting
Raheem Sterling	23.3
Seamus Coleman	22.4
Stewart Downing	20.9
Jesus Navas	19.7
Ahmed Elmohamady	19.3
Jamie Vardy	19.1
George Boyd	18.8
Nathaniel Clyne	18.8
Wayne Routledge	18.5
Carl Jenkinson	18.4

Branislav Ivanovic's runs down the right have helped Chelsea towards the title

John Terry equalling David Unsworth as the Barclays Premier League's top-scoring defender took much of the headlines as Chelsea moved one win from the title withvictory at Leicester City on Wednesday evening. The Chelsea captain is just one of Chelsea's attack-minded defenders, who have contributed 19 goals and 16 assists in all competitions this season.

At King Power Stadium, Branislav Ivanovic collected his fifth assist of the campaign for Didier Drogba's equaliser. The Serb's rampaging runs down the right have formed a crucial part of Jose Mourinho's quest for the title, with Ivanovic equalling his best Barclays Premier League total of assists (five in 2009/10).

Only Kieran Trippier, of Burnley, has covered more ground than Ivanovic from a full-back position this term.

BPL full-backs in 2014/15

Player	Km covered	Sprints
Kieran Trippier	356.80	1,698
Branislav Ivanovic	335.84	1,653
Daryl Janmaat	334.65	1,673
Aaron Cresswell	334.29	1,766
Joel Ward	315.98	1,390
Neil Taylor	309.88	1,549

Burnley have run the furthest and sprinted the most of the bottom seven sides

With four full matchweeks to go, a lot of the focus is on the fight against relegation, where the bottom seven teams are separated by nine points and with plenty of "six pointers" on the horizon.

If points were awarded for fitness and distances covered Burnley would be far from the bottom slot they occupy at present.

The Clarets tracking data reveals a different approach to running, especially compared with the sides immediately above them. Since the start of March, Queens Park Rangers have covered more than 8km less than Burnley per BPL match, while both the Rangers and Sunderland trail the Clarets by almost 100 sprints per match.

Team	Km/ match	Sprints/ match
Burnley	115.80	542
Newcastle	113.25	535.3
Hull City	111.75	504.9
Leicester City	111.23	497.6
Aston Villa	110.53	518.9
Sunderland	109.98	455.3
QPR	107.22	457.5

Leicester City's Jamie Vardy has run the fastest among BPL forwards

One of the key men for Leicester City if they are to continue their recent revival is likely to be Jamie Vardy.

The former Fleetwood Town forward showed glimpses of his ability in the 5-3 win over Manchester United in September, in what was his third top-flight appearance.

Vardy has shown his pace by recording the fastest speed of any Barclays Premier League striker this season. But his job is not just about sprinting and so with three goals and three assists in his last six appearances Vardy is adding an end product to his speed.

Fastest strikers in the 2014/15 BPL

Player	Top speed (Km/h)
Jamie Vardy	34.94
Gabriel Agbonlahor	34.87
Mario Balotelli	34.78
David Nugent	34.71
Diego Costa	34.70
Marouane Chamakh	34.69
Diafra Sakho	34.68

Source: http://www.premierleague.com

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