The Paddy Power Blog presents some goal candy. Because it’s Friday and we need a little hope in our lives.
1. Wayne Rooney, Manchester United v Manchester City
It’s 1-1 in a tight Manchester derby. Nani crosses from the right, ball in mid-air, Rooney back to goal with defence in good positions. Bicycle kick, Wham! 2-1 Get in. Voted the Premier League’s best goal in May 2012 to celebrate 20 years of the world’s most exciting league.
2. Dennis Bergkamp, Newcastle United v Arsenal
Arsenal led the Premier League by eight points in 2002 at one stage but were reeled in by Manchester United. Along the way Dennis Bergkamp produced this bit of magic to kill of Newcastle’s hopes of being runners-up. The ball goes one way, Bergkamp another but still ends up in the back of the net.
3. Thierry Henry, Arsenal v Manchester United
October 2000 and the Gunners inflict United’s first defeat of the season. Henry gets the ball to his feet at the edge of the penalty area and with Denis Irwin and a young Gary Neville in close attendance, flicks the ball up and volleys over a stunned Fabien Barthez in the United goal.
4. Tony Yeboah, Leeds United v Liverpool
The much-travelled Ghanian struck this sweet, sweet volley at Elland Road way back in 1995 but it still hasn’t past its sell-by date. One of the goals of the season that year and many others too.
5. David Beckham, Manchester United v Wimbledon
Before he married a Spice Girl and posed in his pants David Beckham was a half-decent footballer. As a fresh-faced United rookie here’s his wonder lob from inside his own half in 1996.
6. Matt Le Tissier, Southampton v Newcastle United
A familiar face on the box now as a soccer pundit, Le Tiss spent his career at lowly Southampton despite repeated offers from bigger clubs. Wasn’t the most prolific of goalscorers but when he went on a run they were usually crackers. Like this.
7. Paolo Di Canio, West Ham v Wimbledon
The temperamental Italian was rarely out of the news as a player being a saint and sinner in equal measure. This spectacular volley for West Ham against Wimbledon proves that when he was good, he was very, very good.
8. Alan Shearer, Newcastle United v Chelsea
One of the top strikers in the Premier League, the former England international and now BBC pundit commands respect when talking about goalscorers. But very little else.
9. Eric Cantona, Manchester United v Sunderland
The ‘enfant terrible’ of the Premier League, Manchester United arguably wouldn’t have those early titles in the trophy room if it wasn’t for the cut-price Frenchman signed from United’s bitter rivals Leeds. So many great goals to choose from but this was one of his best. And he knows it.
10. Ben Arfa, Newcastle v Bolton
This individual brilliance last April against Bolton deserves to be on any list. Turns with the ball in midfield and doesn’t stop driving forward past the Trotters’ tame efforts to restrain him until the ball’s in the net.
