I’m not trying to argue he’s a productive striker. He clearly isn’t, so far. But he’s only a few good saves/the width of a post from being acceptably productive, considering the role he’s been asked to play in the team and the sort of player he is. He’s obviously been signed as someone who can get the best out of those around him, rather than score a load of goals for us. Look at the way he created space for Sancho’s goal. That’s the sort of movement so often lacking from Martial’s game.
He slide tackles when he takes a shot. I don't think he's just unfortunate, it's also very poor composure/technique. In my opinion part of the reason Weghorst has been moved further back lately, is because he's been toothless in front of goal. His role has been changed to reflect his abilities. To attribute the lack of output to this very recent positional change was trying to deflect from valid criticism, for me.
Anyway, don't get me wrong. I'm quite thankful he's here and he contributes what he can. He's an emergency loan after all. I don't hate the guy at all, I appreciate his unselfishness and hard work. I do also like his off the ball movement in dragging defenders away, which genuinely seems better than Martial. But he is clearly very limited on the ball and that's not because he's been turned into a workhorse. He's been turned into a workhorse
because he is very limited on the ball. It's not just his finishing that is lacking. He doesn't hold the ball up, drive a counter attack, make runs off the defender's shoulder, or link up with his teammates anywhere near as well as Martial.