Premier League is one of the most popular and watched league in the world. Millions of fans watch as their favourite teams battle for supremacy every week. Every week, there are goals to be cheered for and drama to look forward to. But, there have been some goals in the last decade that will be talked about for years to come. Some of these goals are down to the sheer brilliance of an individual, while some led to moments that will forever be etched in the memory of the fans. Let’s take a look at the top 5 iconic goals in the last decade.
5. EDEN HAZARD Vs Arsenal (2016/17)
This was something special, from a mercurial magician. Eden Hazard received Diego Costa’s header just at the edge of his half and shrugged of Coquelin’s effort to strip the Belgian off the ball. He then advanced into Arsenal’s box where he beat Laurent Koscielny and finished off the run with a low driven shot past Petr Cech. Chelsea won the match 3-1 and went on to lift their 5th Premier League title.
4. DEMBA BA Vs Liverpool (2013/14)
A goal that became iconic because of the events that preceded it. Liverpool were on their way to win their first-ever Premier League title. The Sturridge and Suarez combo upfront was scintillating all season long. All they had to do, was see out the remaining few fixtures without any mishap and with visitors Chelsea resting key players for the Champions League Semi-Final, Liverpool’s toughest challenge seemed a bit easier.
However, it all changed when one of the most decorated players of the club was involved in an infamous moment. Steven Gerrard slipped as he failed to control a pass on his half. Ba pounced on that mistake and slid the ball past the keeper just at the stroke of half time. Chelsea went on to win the match 2-0 and Liverpool fans saw another mishap at Palace in the penultimate week. City went on to become champions on the final day with 86 points with Liverpool finishing second with 84 points.
3. OLIVIER GIROUD Vs Crystal Palace (2016/17)
Olivier Giroud scored arguably the best goal of his career in a home tie against Crystal Palace. To say the goal was special would be an understatement. In 13 seconds, Arsenal went from defending on the edge of their box to taking a lead, courtesy of strike of supreme quality. Lucas Perez intercepted the ball at the edge of his box, as Arsenal put few rapid passes on the counter. Alexis Sanchez crossed the ball into the box, which was behind the French striker. But Giroud managed to improvise and volleyed the ball onto the bar and inside the net in a spectacular fashion.
The Scorpion Kick earned the Frenchman 2017 FIFA’s Puskas award. Giroud’s coach at that time, Arsene Wenger rated it one of the best five goals he saw in his two decades of managerial career at Arsenal and said that would be “the Giroud goal that nobody will forget”. Now, that’s saying something, coming from a man who saw the likes of Bergkamp and Henry score some special goals.
2. WAYNE ROONEY Vs Manchester City (2010/11)
Scoring a goal against your city rivals is always special. For Wayne Rooney and all Manchester United supporters, this was a moment that they will always look back to when remembering the last decade. With the Manchester derby tied 1-1 at the Theatre of Dreams, Wayne Rooney scored one of the best goals ever to be scored on this fixture. As Nani delivered the ball from the right wing, it seemed the cross was behind the striker. However, Rooney positioned himself and scored a bicycle kick that would eventually be the winning goal. The celebration after the goal from Wazza would become as iconic as the goal itself.
1. SERGIO AGUERO Vs Queens Park Rangers (2011/12)
With the two Manchester team tied in points going into the final day of the season, City were leading only due to goal difference. However, as we approached the end of the season, City were down 2-1 to QPR who were battling for a spot in Premier League next season. With United winning their match against Sunderland with a solitary goal, it seemed that the red half of Manchester would lift the title. Edin Dzeko scored the equaliser in 92nd minute. What followed next became one of the most iconic moments in Premier League history, a goal that marked City’s first English title since 1968.
Martin Tyler’s commentary on that goal sums up why this goal tops this list:
“Balotelli … Aguerooooooooo. I swear you’ll never see anything like this ever again. So watch it, drink it in. They just heard the news at the Stadium of Light. Two goals in added time from Manchester City to snatch the title away from Manchester United”
