Crossword Genius

Being the striker's target, girl has nothing to say (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

goalmouth

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'being the striker's target girl has nothing to say' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'target girl has nothing to say' is the wordplay.
'target girl' becomes 'gal' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'has' indicates putting letters inside.
'nothing' becomes 'O' (looks like zero - 0).
'to say' becomes 'mouth' (I've seen this in other clues).
'gal' enclosing 'o' is 'goal'.
'goal'+'mouth'='GOALMOUTH'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for goalmouth that I've seen before include "patch often worn on pitch" , "keeper's area" , "strikers aiming to get there" , "that keeper guards" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.