THE FA Premier League is celebrating 20 years of sensational action, with many controversial moments, classic matches, title clinching deciders and transfers that shook the world. However, there is always the debate of what is the greatest goal to have ever be scored in the Premier League. Well, here is my selection of favourite goals in the world's greatest league and why I think they are special.
Matt Le Tissier - SOUTHAMPTON v Newcastle United (October 1993)
Matt Le Tissier had been dropped from the Southampton side after being accused of acting 'lazy' by unpopular Saints boss Ian Branfoot. Here is Le Tiss's response against newly promoted Newcastle and for me, it is one of the best individual goals in the 20 year history. The finish might not have been the cleanest, but the execution was stunning.
Wayne Rooney - MANCHESTER UNITED v Manchester City (February 2011)
I'm never going to be a big fan of Wayne Rooney, but he does produce moments of unbelievable skill and his goal in February to win the Manchester derby at Old Trafford was deserving of any goal to win such a crucial match. The ability to produce what he did is something that not many players in the world can achieve. As Martin Tyler said in his commentary, this goal defies description, so just sit back and watch.
Paolo Di Canio - WEST HAM UNITED v Wimbledon (March 2000)
If I was choosing the greatest goal in Premiership history, it would be this sensational strike from Paolo di Canio infront of the Sky cameras. As ever with the Hammers, there was some lovely build-up involving Trevor Sinclair and Marc-Vivien Foe, but Di Canio stole the show, by leaping off the ground with both feet and striking the ball in mid-air which left Neil Sullivan grasping for thin air. This was genius at work.
Robert Pires - Aston Villa v ARSENAL (March 2002)
Robert Pires seemed to have a ridiculous ability of scoring 20 goals a season from midfield and he was the perfect foil for Thierry Henry. On a damp afternoon at Villa Park, he showed cheek in lobbing the great Peter Schmeichel with a piece of sublime skill. No wonder why Arsenal won the double this season, when you take a look at this finish.
Eric Cantona - MANCHESTER UNITED v Sunderland (December 1996)
Eric 'King' Cantona was one of my favourite ever foreign players to play in the Premiership and I always felt he retired far too soon from The Beautiful Game. This goal against Sunderland not only completed a 5-0 rout, but the celebration of him just standing there, seeming to indicate; 'See if you can do better!' just summed up Cantona. A true Premiership foreign great and the finest player for me to have worn United's coveted No.7 jersey.
Cesc Fabregas - ARSENAL v Tottenham Hotspur (October 2009)
There was a time when Arsenal were actually the leading lights in North London. Tottenham had been improving under Harry Redknapp, but they were left shell-shocked in this derby by two quick-fire goals from the Gunners. Robin van Persie put Arsenal infront, before Cesc Fabregas went on a brilliant mazy run and finished impeccably past Hereulho Gomes. One of the finest solo strikes you will ever see. (Both goals on the embedded video)
Tony Yeboah - LEEDS UNITED v Liverpool (August 1995)
Ghana's first star in the Premiership was Tony Yeboah. He arrived at Elland Road in January 1995 and left Leeds fans with some great memories in his two years at the club. The pick of his goals was this sensational volley at home to Liverpool. The connection with the ball is so sweet, no goalkeeper in the world would save it.
Claus Jensen - Arsenal v CHARLTON ATHLETIC (November 2001)
In one of the biggest shock results of Premiership history, Charlton came to Highbury and beat Arsenal 4-2. Claus Jensen was an enigmatic player, who never really fulfilled his talent, but this is what the Dane could do and he did it in style, robbing Patrick Vieria of possession, then chipping Richard Wright from a tricky angle. This was a special goal on a special day for the Addicks.
Maynor Figueroa - Stoke City v WIGAN ATHLETIC (December 2009)
Some might say that Thomas Sorensen shouldn't have been caught out, but I think this was a brilliant piece of vision from Wigan left-back Maynor Figueroa. For him to even try something like this is fantastic and he got the right result. No luck in this, just supreme vision and great accuracy from so far out and a deserved winner of Goal of the Season in 2009/10.
Danny Rose - TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR v Arsenal (April 2010)
Quite possibly the best ever goal to be scored in a North London derby? What an introduction into the first-team for talented youngster Danny Rose, with a strike that he will always be remembered for, no matter what he does for the rest of his career.
Stan Collymore - BRADFORD CITY v Leeds United (October 2000)
The career of Stan Collymore was controversial to say the least. His best time came at Liverpool, but he rolled back the years on his debut for Bradford City, with a glorious overhead kick against Yorkshire rivals, Leeds. It was only a brief spell at Valley Parade, but Stan the Man had made his contribution to the Bantams relegation battle.
Barry Horne - EVERTON v Wimbledon (May 1994)
Everton badly needed a hero as they desperately tried to cling onto Premiership status in 1993/94. They were trailing 2-1 to Wimbledon, when Barry Horne became their unlikely saviour with this rasping drive. Graham Stuart went on to score the winner and Toffees avoided relegation by the skin of their teeth. Not a famous goal in the Premier League archives, but a very important goal on the Blue half of Merseyside.
Dallian Atkinson - Wimbledon v ASTON VILLA (October 1992)
In the first season of the FA Premier League, Aston Villa were serious title contenders. Dallian Atkinson scored the pick of their goals in the inagural campaign, including this breathtaking run and delicious finish at Selhurst Park. His career stalled after leaving Villa, but in those days, Atkinson could come up with some great predatory finishes.
Stan Collymore - NOTTINGHAM FOREST v Wimbledon (October 1994)
Here's that man again; Stan Collymore with a tremendous run from the halfway line and given all the time in the world by the Wimbledon players, punishes them with a great shot. This goal was Sky Sports goal of the season in 94/95 and it highlighted the huge talent that Collymore had available to him, which sadly he never really built on.
Cristiano Ronaldo - MANCHESTER UNITED v Portsmouth (January 2008)
Cristiano Ronaldo was the best player in the world, until a certain Lionel Messi came along and his ability to strike a ball from a free-kick is world class. This is his best example, against Portsmouth, in quite amazing fashion. David James just had to stand, admire and so did the whole of Old Trafford.
So, that's part one of the greatest goals to have been scored in 20 years of the FA Premier League, but if your favourite isn't here, then don't worry just yet. I will be doing two more blogs, sharing my favourite selection of 'good goals.'
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