Premiership greatest goals (Part 2)

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 second selection of favourite goals in the world's greatest league and why I think they are special.

Robert Pires - Liverpool v ARSENAL (October 2003)

WE'VE already seen the best of Robert Pires with his lobbing skill, but this was he exceptional use of the bending shot.  Arsenal's unbeaten season in 2003/04 had plenty of special goals and this was another one; fully fitting of scoring the winner at Anfield against a poor Liverpool team.

Federico Macheda - MANCHESTER UNITED v Aston Villa (April 2009)

THIS goal still sickens me today, but it was a quality finish from an unknown quantity.  Barely anyone had heard of Federico Macheda when he took his place on the bench for this match against Aston Villa.  Trailing at home 2-1, Sir Alex Ferguson threw on his Italian youngster more in desperation than looking for that piece of quality.  Cristiano Ronaldo had equalised, but even he would have to applaud this astonishing moment from the new hero of Old Trafford.  As much as I was devastated, as it dented Liverpool's title hopes that season, it's a top-class finish.

John Arne Riise - LIVERPOOL v Manchester United (November 2001)

IF THERE'S another free-kick that rivals this one, feel free to let me know!  John Arne Riise has a searing debut season at Anfield, but no impact was more than this one against bitter rivals, Manchester United.  Not only did Fabian Barthez get beaten and not be blamed for the goal, I agree with Martin Tyler; How did the goal remain standing?  WOW!

Tony Yeboah - Wimbledon v LEEDS UNITED (September 1995)

I AM not picking on those who supported Wimbledon; they've just had a load of special goals scored against them.  Just weeks after that stunning volley beat Liverpool, Yeboah was at it again at Selhurst Park, with one of the hardest strikes ever seen in the FA Premier League.  He was in a hot streak in the early stages of this particular season and it's hard not to see why!

Shaun Bartlett - CHARLTON ATHLETIC v Leicester City (April 2001)

THE vision from Graham Stuart can't be faulted and the finish was absolutely brilliant.  In Shaun Bartlett, Charlton Athletic had introduced the first South African striker to the Premiership and finishes like this proved that on his day, Bartlett was almost unplayable.  It was a great goal, one of the finest strikes of a football from a long pass I've ever seen.  A fully deserved winner of goal of the season in 2000/01.

Michael Essien - CHELSEA v Arsenal (December 2006)

TRAILING 1-0 to London rivals Arsenal, Chelsea and Jose Mourinho needed a positive result to stop themselves being left behind by Manchester United.  Cue Michael Essien, with this rip-roaring strike that had everyone applauding in the ground, except Arsenal fans of course.  Cometh the hour, cometh the man and the raging, tough-tackling Ghanian delivered on this chilly December afternoon, in exceptional fashion.

Papa Boupa Diop - FULHAM v Manchester United (December 2004)

WHAT is it with these Africans scoring great goals in December!  Papa Boupa Diop is another example.  Boupa Diop had shown some of his quality two years earlier in Senegal's run to the World Cup quarter-finals and here is him at his prime of what he was capable of.  It was a weird celebration, but nothing weird about the finish - a great goal which earnt a point for Fulham in a thrilling match against Manchester United.

Kanu - Chelsea v ARSENAL (October 1999)
ONCE again, another African footballer features.  Kanu was one of those players who on his day, could be unplayable or basically not turn up on the field.  His most incredible match came on an afternoon of all weather conditions at Stamford Bridge.  Arsenal were losing 2-0 at Chelsea with an hour played and looked dead and buried.  Enter the Nigerian, who scored three goals in quick succession to turn the match on its head.  Not only did Chelsea concede their first home goals of the season, they lost the match and their season simply imploded.  For Kanu, it was a moment he will never forget.  This third goal, from such an impossible angle was breathtaking and one of my personal favourite goals.



Jeremy Goss - Leeds United v NORWICH CITY (August 1993)
FANS of Norwich City will always associate Jeremy Goss for the goal in Munich that knocked Bayern out of the UEFA Cup.  Two months earlier, he warmed up for this magical night, by connecting sweetly from Ruel Fox's cross to leave John Lukic clutching at straws.  It was a goal that the whole Elland Road crowd applauded, so it must have been special.  Norwich won the game 4-0; at a time when their football was just a joy to watch.



Paul Scholes - Aston Villa v MANCHESTER UNITED (December 2006)

HE MAY have had a big habit for mistiming a challenge, but for me, this was the best goal of Paul Scholes long and distinguished career at Manchester United.  Why do I think that?  It was in a tight match where it could have gone either way, it showed he still had class in abundance and from such a long distance out, it was truly outstanding.  A moment of brilliance from one of the most consistent players to be seen in the 20 years of Premier League football.

Neil Mellor - LIVERPOOL v Arsenal (November 2004)
WOW!  His career may have not gone the way he would have liked, thanks to horrific luck with injuries, but Neil Mellor will never be forgotten by Liverpool fans for this stunning strike.  This was a day when an injury-hit Liverpool, missing the likes of Baros, Cisse, Garcia and Josemi came up against the former invincibles of the Premiership.  Liverpool outfought the Gunners on the day and this 90th minute goal not only highlighted the team spirit under Rafa Benitez at Anfield, but started the decline of that great Arsenal side.  I remember leaping up and down when this goal went in at the time, such a sweet moment to beat the champions.  Oh, and it knocked Jens Lehmann out of the Arsenal side, as he was dropped afterwards.  Always a sweet memory!



Paul Konchesky - West Ham United v FULHAM (January 2009)
NOW at Leicester City in the Championship, Paul Konchesky's career has taken him through great spells at West Ham and Charlton, to a dismal six months with Liverpool last season.  However, his peak was at Fulham.  Konchesky is now for his speciality from the dead ball, but he can hit a drive from distance on occasion and he did so here, against his former club.  Fulham lost the match, but Konchesky had produced the game's unforgettable moment and this is a goal where you can't blame Robert Green!



Matt Le Tissier - Blackburn Rovers v SOUTHAMPTON (December 1994)
HOW many times did Matt Le Tissier produce moments like this?  Plenty of occasions where he made the impossible, almost possible!  This goal at Ewood Park should be admired for it's solo run, the sheer accuracy and the way it dazzled Tim Flowers in the back of the Rovers net.  Matt admits this was his best ever goal for Southampton.  I'd disagree with that, but it was another special.



Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink - Manchester United v CHELSEA (September 2000)
HAVE we ever seen a better goal scored at Old Trafford by a visting side?  I don't think so.  Chelsea had made a poor start to the 2000/01 campaign and sacked Gianluca Vialli after four games of the season.  The unheard Claudio Ranieri took over and his first port of call was Old Trafford.  So, what a way this was to start 'The Tinkerman's' reign at Stamford Bridge.  A crisp volley from Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, who was such a predator infront of goal.  It left Raimond van der Gouw to watch and admire - a real corker out of the top draw from Jimmy.



Dennis Bergkamp - ARSENAL v Tottenham Hotspur (November 1996)
THE Dutch master was Dennis Bergkamp and he has scored some goals in the Premiership that realistically, only he was ever capable of scoring.  There is another goal that stands out from him to come in a later blog, but I really like this one too.  Defending a narrow lead in the North London derby, Ian Wright plays his part with a deep cross into the penalty area, before leaving his strike partner to do the rest.  A great goal from a genius on the football field.



That is part two of my lookback at some of the greatest goals we've seen in the Premiership.  However, if your favourite wasn't here, there will be at least one more chance for it to be mentioned.  There will be more 'good' goals to come soon from the best league in the world; The FA Premier League.

20 years of the FA Premier League - Part 1

1992/93

THE new football revolution began in August 1992, when the 22 leading clubs in England broke away from the Football league to create the FA Premier League.  With a massive new live television deal with BSKYB, bigger sponsors and higher transfer fees, the English game changed forever.  The honour of scoring the first ever Premiership goal fell to Sheffield United’s Brian Deane.  Deane scored after five minutes in his side’s 2-1 win over Manchester United.  Title favourites Arsenal threw away a 2-0 lead at home to Norwich City on the opening weekend, losing 4-2 and only ending a disappointing 10^th in the final table.  Under Jack Walker’s millions, Blackburn Rovers were a fine 4^th in their first season in the top flight, with new English record signing Alan Shearer scoring 15 goals before a serious knee injury on Boxing Day 1992 ended his season prematurely.  Top scorer was Teddy Sheringham, who netted Sky’s first live televised goal in Nottingham Forest’s 1-0 opening weekend success over Liverpool.  A week later, Sheringham moved to Tottenham and scored another 21 goals and with it, Forest lost all direction and form.  The late, great Brian Clough decided to retire from football management, but his legacy was clouded by relegation, after an emotional final home game at the City Ground; Forest beaten 2-0 by Sheffield United on May 1.  Afterwards, Clough admitted his side hadn’t been good enough to stay up.  Middlesbrough and Crystal Palace also went down, as unfancied Oldham Athletic pulled off a remarkable run of three wins at the end of the season.  Joe Royle’s team beat Southampton 4-3 on a dramatic final day to stay afloat.  Palace lost 3-0 on the final day at Highbury to drop out of the league, relegated by an Ian Wright hat-trick.  Despite their league failings, Arsenal did manage a cup double, beating Sheffield Wednesday in both FA Cup and League Cup finals.  It was QPR who ended up as London’s top finishers, winding up a creditable fifth.  Fellow London side Chelsea sacked Ian Porterfield in February, after failing to win in 12 matches between December and February.  Unfortunately for Porterfield, he became the first manager to lose their job at this level.  Another club who struggled were defending champions Leeds United.  They sold Eric Cantona to Manchester United in November for £1.2million and proceeded to finish a dire 18^th; failing to win an away match all season.  At the top, Manchester United held off stiff challenges from Aston Villa and Norwich City to win their first title in 26 years.  The title was secured by Villa’s shock 1-0 home loss to Oldham on May 2.  One evening later, Old Trafford partied in style with a 3-1 triumph over Blackburn the crowning glory.  Alex Ferguson’s men eventually finished ten points clear at the end of the season.

CHAMPIONS: Manchester United, 2^nd: Aston Villa, 3^rd: Norwich City, 4^th: Blackburn Rovers, 5^th: QPR, 6^th: Liverpool, 7^th: Sheffield Wednesday, 8^th; Tottenham, 9^th: Manchester City, 10^th: Arsenal

RELEGATED: Crystal Palace, Middlesbrough, Nottingham Forest

BIGGEST WIN: Blackburn Rovers 7-1 Norwich City (3 October 1992)

HIGHEST SCORING GAMES: Oldham Athletic 5-3 Nottingham Forest (22 August 1992), Oldham Athletic 6-2 Wimbledon (3 April 1993), Liverpool 6-2 Tottenham (8 May 1993)

TOP SCORERS: Sheringham (Tottenham) 22, Ferdinand (QPR) 20, Holdsworth (Wimbledon) 19, Quinn (Coventry) 17, Shearer (Blackburn) 16, White (Manchester City) 16, Cantona (Manchester United) 15, Wright (Arsenal) 15, Le Tissier (Southampton) 15, Robins (Norwich City) 15

1993/94

AFTER their success in 1992/93, Manchester United went onto dominate the following season, although a mid-season wobble did almost throw away the title.  Having signed Roy Keane from Nottingham Forest in the close season, United looked awesome in the first half of the season.  Keane’s gritty determination, combined with the pace of Ryan Giggs and Andrei Kanchelskis and the natural finishing from Mark Hughes and Eric Cantona meant they established a 15 point lead at the turn of the year.  Norwich City, Leeds United and Arsenal made sporadic challenges, but the only sustained threat came from Kenny Dalglish’s Blackburn Rovers.  With Alan Shearer back to full fitness, Blackburn closed United down and capitalised on a dip in form from Ferguson’s side.  A 2-0 win at Ewood Park against the champions in April put Blackburn within striking distance.  However, a draw at home to QPR and defeats at Southampton and Coventry City ultimately meant the late surge didn’t happen.  The defeat at Highfield Road on May 2 ensured back-to-back titles for United, without kicking a ball to do it.  They beat Chelsea 4-0 in a one-sided FA Cup final to complete the double.  Newcastle United joined the Premiership fold and Kevin Keegan’s entertainers finished an excellent third in the table.  Andy Cole was in red hot form all season, finishing top scorer with a stunning 34 league goals.  One of Cole’s former sides, Arsenal had a better finish, with Ian Wright once again showing his predator striking class.  The Gunners ended the campaign 4^th and with the best defence in the league, only shipping 28 goals to opposition teams.  Graeme Souness’s miserable reign at Anfield came to an end in January, when he was sacked after a dismal FA Cup defeat at home to lowly Bristol City.  Liverpool finished a poor 8^th in the table, but did produce the comeback of the season on January 4, recovering from 3-0 down inside 21 minutes at home to Manchester United and rescuing a 3-3 draw.  Souness wasn’t the only manager to lose his job this season, with similar fates befalling Peter Reid (Manchester City), Bobby Gould (Coventry City) and Ian Branfoot (Southampton).  Swindon Town went straight back down after just one season, conceding a record 100 league goals in the process.  Relegation also befell Oldham before the final games, but the final day turned into a relegation dogfight between Everton, Southampton, Ipswich and Sheffield United.  Everton stormed back from 2-0 down to beat Wimbledon 3-2 and survive by the skin of their teeth.  Ultimately, Mark Stein’s last minute winner for Chelsea against Sheffield United sealed a 3-2 win and sent Dave Bassett’s team down, despite having been as high as 15^th, two weeks before the season’s end.  However, 93/94 belonged to one team only; Manchester United. 

CHAMPIONS: Manchester United, 2^nd: Blackburn Rovers, 3^rd: Newcastle United, 4^th: Arsenal, 5^th: Leeds United, 6^th: Wimbledon, 7^th: Sheffield Wednesday, 8^th; Liverpool, 9^th: QPR, 10^th: Aston Villa

RELEGATED: Sheffield United, Oldham Athletic, Swindon Town

BIGGEST WIN: Newcastle United 7-1 Swindon Town (11 March 1994)

HIGHEST SCORING GAMES: Norwich City 4-5 Southampton (9 April 1994), Everton 6-2 Swindon Town (15 January 1994), Oldham Athletic 2-5 Manchester United (29 December 1993)

TOP SCORERS: Cole (Newcastle) 34, Shearer (Blackburn) 31, Le Tissier (Southampton) 25, Sutton (Norwich City) 25, Wright (Arsenal) 23, Beardsley (Newcastle) 21, Bright (Sheffield Wednesday) 19, Cantona (Manchester United) 18, Wallace (Leeds) 17, Holdsworth (Wimbledon) 17, Ferdinand (QPR) 16, Cottee (Everton) 16, Campbell (Arsenal) 14, Rush (Liverpool) 14, Sheringham (Tottenham) 14

1994/95

HAVING come close the previous season, Blackburn stated their intentions in pre-season by breaking the English transfer record to sign Chris Sutton from Norwich City.  Together with Alan Shearer, the pair formed the deadly SAS partnership which would eventually spearhead Blackburn to their first championship in 81 years and in dramatic circumstances too.  Going into the final day, Rovers were two points clear of Manchester United, but were beaten 2-1 by Liverpool at Anfield.  A win at Upton Park against West Ham would have been enough for the Red Devils, but some inspired Ludek Miklosko goalkeeping and wasteful finishing meant a 1-1 draw was not enough.  So, despite conceding to Jamie Redknapp’s injury time free-kick, Blackburn fans celebrated losing a match!  Shearer’s goal tally left him as top scorer and Tim Sherwood lifted the trophy afloat on a glorious May afternoon.  The season was to be dogged by many bad headlines which dragged football’s publicity down the gutter.  Dennis Wise was jailed for assaulting a taxi driver, Chris Armstrong failed a drugs test, Paul Merson had time off the game after admitting to excessive gambling and cocaine addiction and Eric Cantona was suspended for eight months after his famous kung-fu kick on a Crystal Palace fan at Selhurst Park.  The temperament of the fantastic Frenchman had always been questioned and this time, it cost Manchester United.  Despite scoring five goals in one match against Ipswich, Andy Cole’s shock £7million move from Newcastle in January turned into an expensive flop for many Manchester United supporters.  A match-fixing scandal also gripped the game this season, with Bruce Grobbelaar, Hans Segers and John Fashanu all accused of taking money to fix matches.  All three would end up being acquitted.  Arsenal manager George Graham was sacked in disgrace in February and banned from the game for a year, after taking illegal transfer bungs for the signature of hopeless Danish midfielder John Jensen.  With the Premier League being reduced to 20 clubs from the following season onwards, there was increased pressure on managers throughout the season.  Phil Neal (Coventry), Ron Atkinson (Aston Villa) and Mike Walker (Everton) all lost their jobs during the season, due to the intense relegation scrap.  Ultimately, it was a miserable season for East Anglia with both Ipswich and Norwich City being relegated.  Norwich had started 1995 in 7^th position, but only one win in the second half of the season sealed their fate.  Crystal Palace and Leicester made instant returns to the Football League, but the other club that came up, Nottingham Forest, finished a brilliant 3^rd, having gone 12 games unbeaten at the start of the season.  Tottenham fans also had Jurgen Klinsmann to cheer on this season, as he scored on his debut, with a famous celebratory dive against Sheffield Wednesday.  Klinsmann guided Tottenham to 7^th and won the Football Writers award before returning home to Germany at the end of the season.

CHAMPIONS: Blackburn Rovers, 2^nd: Manchester United, 3^rd: Nottingham Forest, 4^th: Liverpool, 5^th: Leeds United, 6^th: Newcastle United, 7^th: Tottenham, 8^th; QPR, 9^th: Wimbledon, 10^th: Southampton

RELEGATED: Crystal Palace, Norwich City, Leicester City, Ipswich Town

BIGGEST WIN: Manchester United 9-0 Ipswich Town (4 March 1995)

HIGHEST SCORING GAMES: Manchester United 9-0 Ipswich Town (4 March 1995), Aston Villa 7-1 Wimbledon (11 February 1995), Sheffield Wednesday 1-7 Nottingham Forest (1 April 1995)

TOP SCORERS: Shearer (Blackburn) 34, Fowler (Liverpool) 25, Ferdinand (QPR) 24, Collymore (Nottingham Forest) 22, Cole (Newcastle & Manchester United) 21, Klinsmann (Tottenham) 20, Le Tissier (Southampton) 19, Sheringham (Tottenham) 18, Wright (Arsenal) 18, Sutton (Blackburn) 15

1995/96

THE primary title contenders in 1995/96 were Manchester United and Newcastle United.  Newcastle topped the table from day one and after beating Bolton Wanderers 2-1 on January 19, established a staggering 12 point lead over the men from Manchester United.  United started the season poorly, having sold Paul Ince and Andrei Kanchelskis and still missing Eric Cantona through suspension.  They lost 3-1 at Aston Villa on the opening day, giving Alan Hansen the chance to say ‘you can’t win anything with kids.’  Defeats at Liverpool, Leeds and 4-1 at Tottenham on New Year’s Day left United with a mountain to climb, but Cantona quickly turned the title battle into a one man crusade.  He inspired his team to an amazing run of results in the spring, which saw Newcastle’s lead disappear.  On March 4, the Frenchman scored the only goal of the game at St. James Park to make Manchester United title favourites.  A month later and Newcastle lost the greatest game in FA Premier League history; 4-3 at Liverpool, thanks to a stoppage time winner from Stan Collymore.  Despite a 3-1 loss at Southampton a week later, which was blamed on hideous grey away shirts, Ferguson’s side turned on the screw.  He started playing mind games, questioning Leeds outstanding performance at Old Trafford in mid-April and the scheduling of a Nottingham Forest v Newcastle fixture near a Stuart Pearce testimonial at the end of the season.  Kevin Keegan responded live on Sky Sports, losing his rag after an away win at Leeds on April 29.  The ‘I will love it if we beat them!’ rant has gone down in folklore, but no more.  Ian Woan scored a brilliant late goal to earn Nottingham Forest a point against Newcastle three days later and Manchester United completed the job with a comfortable 3-0 away win on the last day at Middlesbrough.  Four points was the difference at the end of the season and with the prominence of youngsters coming through at Old Trafford, such as Nicky Butt, David Beckham and Paul Scholes, a new generation of dominance began to blossom.  Whilst United were rejoicing, it was misery for their Manchester rivals, Manchester City.  A 2-2 draw at home to Liverpool on the final day of the season was not enough to keep them in the Premiership.  It was heartbreak for Alan Ball in his first season in charge at Maine Road; his side not recovering from a dismal start.  QPR and Bolton Wanderers also lost their fight against the drop.  Defending champions Blackburn never looked a factor all season, but Alan Shearer still ended top scorer again as they finished a poor 7^th, not helped by Kenny Dalglish’s decision to step aside after the title glory of the previous May.  Meanwhile, Liverpool broke the British transfer record to lure Stan Collymore to Anfield from Nottingham Forest.  He and Robbie Fowler began a formidable partnership which shot Liverpool to third place.  Chelsea had another unspectacular season, but an 11^th place finish was enough to convince England to appoint Glenn Hoddle as Terry Venables successor after Euro 96! 

CHAMPIONS: Manchester United, 2^nd: Newcastle United, 3^rd: Liverpool, 4^th: Aston Villa, 5^th: Arsenal, 6^th: Everton, 7^th: Blackburn Rovers, 8^th; Tottenham, 9^th: Nottingham Forest, 10^th: West Ham United

RELEGATED: Manchester City, QPR, Bolton Wanderers

BIGGEST WIN: Blackburn Rovers 7-0 Nottingham Forest (18 November 1995)

HIGHEST SCORING GAMES: Sheffield Wednesday 6-2 Leeds United (16 December 1995), Liverpool 4-3 Newcastle United (3 April 1996), Southampton 3-4 Nottingham Forest (19 August 1995)

TOP SCORERS: Shearer (Blackburn) 31, Fowler (Liverpool) 28, Ferdinand (Newcastle) 25, Yorke (Aston Villa) 17, Kanchelskis (Everton) 16, Sheringham (Tottenham) 16, Wright (Arsenal) 15, Armstrong (Tottenham) 15, Cantona (Manchester United) 14, Dublin (Coventry City) 14

1996/97

MANCHESTER United achieved their fourth title in five years, but struggled to show any superiority throughout the season.  Luckily, all their nearest challengers had stuttering campaigns, which meant Alex Ferguson’s side got over the line, once again by not playing.  Despite 17-year old sensation Michael Owen coming off the bench to score at Wimbledon, Liverpool’s 2-1 loss at Selhurst Park, combined with Newcastle’s 0-0 stalemate at West Ham was enough for Ferguson’s side to be crowned the best in the land again.  This was despite a horrifying six days in October, which saw his champions lose 5-0 at Newcastle and then, 6-3 to Southampton.  Liverpool established a five point lead at the turn of the year, but threw the advantage away, with costly defeats at Aston Villa (1-0) in March and Coventry (1-2) in April.  Roy Evans side had only themselves to blame, with David James guilty of several high profile blunders in the run-in.  In the end, they finished only fourth, when title glory could have been theirs.  Newcastle suffered a huge shock when Kevin Keegan resigned at the beginning of January; the previous season’s toil had taken his stress levels to new extremes.  Kenny Dalglish took up the reins and despite a leaky defence, qualified for the Champions League with a 5-0 battering of Nottingham Forest on the final day.  Newcastle also managed to persuade Alan Shearer home to Tyneside, in a record £15million move from Blackburn Rovers at the start of the season.  However, his partnership with Les Ferdinand didn’t quite blossom as many expected, due to injuries.  Arsene Wenger took over at Arsenal in September and guided his ageing Gunners side to third place, with Ian Wright once again scoring goals for fun.  Chelsea went global, by signing Gianfranco Zola.  Zola’s impact was instant when he moved from Parma in November, walking away with the Football Writers award at the end of the season.  Ruud Gullit’s side finished sixth and won the FA Cup, lifting the gloom over the Bridge, as they had to deal with the tragic death of club director Matthew Harding in a helicopter crash on the way back from a Coca Cola Cup tie at Bolton in late October.  Another side who spent the money were Middlesbrough, with Emerson and Fabrizio Ravanelli arriving at a colourful Riverside Stadium.  The season turned into a nightmare for Boro, as they lost in both domestic cup finals and were docked three points for failing to fulfil a fixture at Blackburn on December 20, claiming they had 21 players out through illness and injury!!  Consequently, they were also relegated, despite Juninho’s heroics at Leeds on the final day of the season.  Incredibly, Coventry City beat Tottenham 2-1 at White Hart Lane to stay up against the odds, with Sunderland going straight back down after a 1-0 defeat at Wimbledon.  Wimbledon themselves finished a creditable 8^th, having strung together a 20-game unbeaten run at one stage in all competitions.

CHAMPIONS: Manchester United, 2^nd: Newcastle United, 3^rd: Arsenal, 4^th: Liverpool, 5^th: Aston Villa, 6^th: Chelsea, 7^th: Sheffield Wednesday, 8^th; Wimbledon, 9^th: Leicester City, 10^th: Tottenham

RELEGATED: Sunderland, Middlesbrough, Nottingham Forest

BIGGEST WIN: Newcastle United 7-1 Tottenham Hotspur (28 December 1996)

HIGHEST SCORING GAMES: Southampton 6-3 Manchester United (26 October 1996), Everton 7-1 Southampton (16 November 1996), Chelsea 6-2 Sunderland (16 March 1997)

TOP SCORERS: Shearer (Newcastle) 25, Wright (Arsenal) 23, Solskjaer (Manchester United) 18, Fowler (Liverpool) 18, Yorke (Aston Villa) 17, Ferdinand (Newcastle) 16, Ravanelli (Middlesbrough) 16, Le Tissier (Southampton) 13, Dublin (Coventry City) 13, Bergkamp (Arsenal) 12, Juninho (Middlesbrough), Collymore (Liverpool) 12, Claridge (Leicester) 12, Cantona (Manchester United) 11 

Premiership fixtures released for 2011/12

FOOTBALL fans across the country are beginning to plan ahead for the new domestic season, after the fixture lists in England and Scotland were published at 9am this morning.

     The opening weekend of the 20th Premiership season sees defending champions Manchester United begin their latest title defence with a trip to the Hawthorns to play West Brom.  Manchester rivals City have a home encounter with playoff winners and Premiership deubtants Swansea City.  Both QPR and Norwich City will be happy with their opening encounters.  QPR, in the top flight for the first time since 1996 will entertain Bolton Wanderers at Loftus Road, whilst Norwich have an away trip to Wigan Athletic on their return to playing the big boys.  Jordan Henderson will meet his old club, as Sunderland get to travel to Anfield to face Liverpool.  Last season's runners-up Chelsea begin life after Carlo Ancelotti with a tricky assignment at Stoke City, who are formidable at home.  In two of the more attractive fixtures, Newcastle United come up against Arsenal at St. James Park, in a rerun of February's dramatic 4-4 draw, whilst Tottenham face a juicy match at White Hart Lane against Everton.  To complete the opening lineup on Saturday August 13, Blackburn meet Wolves at Ewood Park and two new managers get to test their creditability against one another at Craven Cottage as Martin Jol's Fulham come face-to-face with Alex McLeish's Aston Villa.

     The first massive fixture of the season is Arsenal v Liverpool on August 20, with Manchester United meeting Tottenham on the same weekend.  A week later, United v Arsenal at Old Trafford stands out.  On the final day of the season, Chelsea host Blackburn, Manchester United head to Sunderland and Swansea finish off at home to Liverpool.  The campaign finishes on Sunday May 13, one week earlier than last season to allow England more time to prepare for the 2012 European Championships in Poland/Ukraine, should Fabio Capello's side qualify of course.

     See below for the Premiership opening day fixtures and dates of some of the crunch encounters in the first half of the season.
NOTE: Some dates will change once ESPN and Sky Sports confirm the first set of live television fixtures, in around a fortnight's time.


2011/12 BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURES - OPENING DAY (Saturday 13 August)
Blackburn Rovers v Wolves
Fulham v Aston Villa
Liverpool v Sunderland
Manchester City v Swansea City
Newcastle United v Arsenal
QPR v Bolton Wanderers
Stoke City v Chelsea
Tottenham Hotspur v Everton
West Brom v Manchester United
Wigan Athletic v Norwich City

KEY FIXTURE DATES (August - December)
August 20: Arsenal v Liverpool
August 20: Manchester United v Tottenham Hotspur
August 20: Sunderland v Newcastle United
August 27: Aston Villa v Wolves
August 27: Manchester United v Arsenal
August 27: Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester City

September 17: Manchester United v Chelsea
September 17: Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool
September 24: Manchester City v Everton

October 1: Everton v Liverpool
October 1: Fulham v QPR
October 1: Tottenham Hotspur v Arsenal
October 15: Liverpool v Manchester United
October 15: West Brom v Wolves
October 22: Manchester United v Manchester City
October 22: Aston Villa v West Brom
October 22: QPR v Chelsea
October 29: Chelsea v Arsenal

November 19: Chelsea v Liverpool
November 26: Liverpool v Manchester City

December 10: Chelsea v Manchester City
December 17: Manchester City v Arsenal
December 20: Tottenham Hotspur v Chelsea
BOXING DAY: Chelsea v Fulham
December 31: Liverpool v Newcastle United

Classic Premiership Matches 81-100

In the past 18 seasons, football fans across the globe have been treated to some cracking Premiership matches.  On the eve of the 19th season beginning tomorrow, here is a look-back at some classics down the years.

81.           Arsenal                                    2-2           Chelsea                                    Sunday 12^th December 2004

This was Jose Mourinho’s biggest test so far and as Sky Sports referred it to as ‘JUDGEMENT DAY.’  If it was a test, his side passed it with flying colours in a blockbuster of a London derby.  Thierry Henry smashed the champions infront after only 90 seconds, but John Terry responded with a wonderful header.  Henry gifted Arsenal back the lead, with a controversial free-kick, but Chelsea showed they were ready to take the crown away from a deadly foe and scrambled back level through Eidur Gudjohnsen early in the 2^nd half.  This was a worthy point for the new Kings of London.

82.           Nottingham Forest                 3-2           QPR                                        Sunday 2^nd October 1994

Nottingham Forest’s unbeaten start to the 1994/95 season remained, after a goal-busting 2^nd half in the Nottingham rain.  After a tepid first half, the game sparked into life with a spectacular 2^nd half, due to a top corner buster by Kingsley Black.  Les Ferdinand, Bryan Roy & substitute Bradley Allen traded goals in the next half hour and it was left to Forest’s golden boy, Stan Collymore to net the winner in the 88^th minute. 

83.           Southampton                          3-2           Charlton Athletic                    Sunday 7^th December 2003

Normally, this type of game has 0-0 written all over it, but with two sides in such decent form, it wasn’t going to happen, especially as it was televised.  Southampton had been cruising at half-time, two goals to the good through Michael Svensson and Brett Ormerod.  Charlton roared back into the contest through their playmaker, Scott Parker with two fantastic strikes, making him a popular name throughout the whole of London.  It wasn’t enough for a point though, as Ormerod hit the winner in the 86^th minute.

84.           Manchester United                  2-3           Derby County                         Saturday 5^th April 1997

Once again, an easy home banker was turned on its head, especially by the leggy Costa Rican forward Paulo Wanchope.  Making his Premiership debut, he took on the whole of the United defence and left the backline dazed at his quite incredible solo effort.  Now that is some way to make your mark in England.

85.           Birmingham City                    2-2           Arsenal                                    Saturday 23^rd February 2008

This game was the utter defining moment in the season for Arsenal, as the young guns collapsed totally in the run-in.  The match is overshadowed for a sickening challenge by Martin Taylor on Eduardo in the first minute.  Eduardo was stretchered off with a double leg fracture and his football career in genuine doubt and quite rightly, Taylor was dismissed.  With Arsenal 2-1 up in the dying stages, Gael Clichy conceded a soft penalty, which James McFadden converted.  Captain William Gallas lost the plot afterwards and had to be controlled by Arsene Wenger; it had been a pivotal lunchtime crunch for the Gunners and showed true weaknesses.

86.           Norwich City                          4-4           Middlesbrough                        Saturday 22^nd January 2005

Trailing 4-1 to Champions League chasing Middlesbrough with just nine minutes to go, the last rites were being written for Nigel Worthington’s side.  However, Dean Ashton sparked a sensational finish with his first goal for the Canaries.  Leon McKenzie’s brave header gave real hope to the home supporters and Carrow Road exploded in joy when Adam Drury completed the remarkable turnaround in stoppage time.  It wasn’t a win, but it must have felt like it.

87.           Manchester City                     2-3           Tottenham Hotspur                                Monday 23^rd December 2002

Two sides managed by former England head coaches put on a pre-Christmas cracker.  Ali Bernarbia’s curling shot was the pick of the goals and Christian Ziege was sent off, but headers through Chris Perry, Simon Davies and Gus Poyet steered Glenn Hoddle’s side to victory in their last visit to Maine Road.

88.           Fulham                                    3-4           Blackburn Rovers                   Monday 12^th April 2004

This vital win sealed in a topsy-turvy game was essential to Graeme Souness’s Blackburn avoiding the dreaded drop.  The winning strike came from Jon Stead on the hour mark and despite two goals by new Cottagers signing, Collins John, he ended up on the losing side.

89.           Newcastle United                    2-6           Manchester United                  Saturday 12^th April 2003

Newcastle’s vague title ambitions were destroyed by a ruthless Manchester United side, determined to get their hands back on the Premiership crown.  Despite a genius strike from Jermaine Jenas to break the deadlock, Newcastle ended up 4-1 down by half-time and 6-1 adrift by the hour mark.  Paul Scholes hit a rare hat-trick and Ruud Van Nistlerooy scored another penalty, equalling a Premiership record for most converted penalties in the season.  In the battle of the knights, Sir Alex held all the top cards over Sir Bobby.

90.           Chelsea                                    2-4           Manchester City                     Saturday 27^th February 2010

This match will be remembered the most for the infamous non-handshake between former pals John Terry and Wayne Bridge.  Terry’s private life had been exposed in the papers, with allegations of him having an affair with Bridge’s former girlfriend.  He lost the England captaincy and at this point, his club form dipped too.  Chelsea had a day to forget, despite Frank Lampard putting them ahead before half-time.  By the time Lampard got his second, from the penalty spot, City had ran riot and gone into a 4-1 lead, courtesy of doubles from Craig Bellamy and Carlos Tevez.  Michael Ballack and Juliano Belletti were both sent off, this was a day of misery for the Blues and a joyous result for Wayne Bridge.

91.           Aston Villa                              3-2           Coventry City                         Saturday 5^th May 2001

To preserve their top-flight status, Coventry had to win this match at Villa Park and things were going well at half-time, with two corkers by Youssef Chippo.  Unfortunately for the Sky Blues, they were pegged back in the second half by old boys, George Boateng and Dion Dublin.  The killer was provided by Paul Merson in the closing moments to send Coventry crashing into Division 1.

92.           Manchester City                     3-1           Manchester United                  Saturday 9^th November 2002

The last ever Manchester derby at Maine Road produced a rare success for the Citizens half of Manchester.  A brace from Shaun Goater, culminating in 100 goals for the club gave Kevin Keegan’s side a memorable triumph to look back on forever.

93.           Chelsea                                    4-3           Tottenham Hotspur                                Sunday 27^th February 1994

Two down inside twenty minutes, Chelsea steamed back into the contest through Dennis Wise and a quickfire double from hotshot John Spencer.  Darren Anderton levelled matters in the second half, before a controversial penalty, slotted home by Mark Stein handed the West London outfit an improbable result.

94.           Charlton Athletic                    4-4           West Ham United                   Monday 19^th November 2001

A London derby full of drama thrills and spills.  The forgotten man of the Premiership, Paul Kitson hit an unlikely hat-trick and when Jermain Defoe scored his first ever Premiership goal against his former side, the Hammers were on course for a stunning win, having trailed the Addicks twice.  In injury time, a spectacular overhead kick from the charismatic striker Jonatan Johansson ensured a deserved share of the spoils.

95.           Manchester United                  2-2           Liverpool                                                Sunday 1^st October 1995

This was the day when the King of Old Trafford return.  Red No.7 returned on the grand stage and created a goal for Nicky Butt inside 60 seconds.  Liverpool’s own ace, Robbie Fowler rammed in an equaliser, smashing a Sky camera in the process.  He then took his second goal clinically, punishing Gary Neville for some slack defending.  In the 70^th minute, Ryan Giggs was tripped by Jamie Redknapp and a penalty awarded by David Elleray.  Cantona did the business, sending David James the wrong way, earning United a draw and announcing to the world: ‘I’m back.’

96.           Everton                                   2-3           Chelsea                                    Sunday 17^th December 2006

Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea weren’t involved in many pulsating Premiership classics, but this was an exception to that rule.  Missing John Terry through injury, the champions were trailing 2-1 with ten minutes to play on Merseyside.  Step forward Frank Lampard with a classic strike, then Didier Drogba with the goal of the season to record Chelsea a massive win in the race for the title. 

97.           Bradford City                         4-4           Derby County                         Friday 21^st April 2000

This was a Good Friday bonanza between two relegation stragglers.  Derby went 2-0 up inside ten minutes, were trailing 3-2 by the interval and needed two red cards and a couple of cool penalties from skipper Craig Burley to rescue themselves a draw at Valley Parade.

98.           Chelsea                                    2-3           Arsenal                                    Sunday 21^st September 1997

At a new look Stamford Bridge, fans and neutrals were treated to an attacking feast of football from two championship contenders.  Gus Poyet tapped Chelsea into the lead, but two dodgy pieces of defending by Michael Duberry allowed Dennis Bergkamp in to hand the Gunners the lead.  Almost immediately, Gianfranco Zola responded in kind and despite Franck Lebouef seeing red for two bookable offences, the game looked set for a draw.  Then, in the 89^th minute, Nigel Winterburn produced a real rabbit from the hat to stun the Blues into silence.  A key win for Arsene Wenger’s side, this highlighting their push towards a maiden championship.

99.           Arsenal                                    1-3           Newcastle United                    Tuesday 18^th December 2001

November 1997 had been the last time Newcastle had won in the capital before this crunch meeting at Highbury, but they ended the jinx in some style.  Robert Pires gave Arsenal a half-time lead, but Ray Parlour was sent off for two yellow cards.  Andy O’Brien headed home an equaliser early in the second half, before Graham Poll’s second dodgy dismissal saw Craig Bellamy heading for an early shower.  He then should have sent off Sol Campbell with five minutes to go for hauling down Laurent Robert by being last man.  Only a penalty was given, but Newcastle didn’t mind as Alan Shearer banged the ball past Richard Wright.  Robert sealed a famous win for the Magpies in the closing stages, overshadowed by a late Thierry Henry rant that left him with a fine and one-match suspension for violent conduct.

100.         Manchester United                  1-4           Liverpool                                                Saturday 14^th March 2009

Liverpool had to win this game to stand any hope of winning their first championship in nearly two decades and they tore the European champions to shreds in their own backyard.  Things didn’t look good for Rafa Benitez when Pepe Reina fouled Ji-Sung Park and Cristiano Ronaldo blasted the penalty home.  Moment’s later, Fernando Torres capitalised fully on a rare Nemanja Vidic error to level the scores.  When Patrice Evra fouled Torres on the stroke of half-time, Steven Gerrard’s penalty gave the host an unlikely lead.  Vidic was later dismissed and from the resulting free-kick, Fabio Aurelio curled in a beauty to wrap up the outcome.  To add insult to injury, Liverpool misfit Andrea Dossena produced a golden moment by lobbing Edwin Van Der Sar in stoppage time to compound United’s misery and highlight Liverpool’s glee.  The title race was back on.