As mentioned in yesterday’s post, the English Premier League has never seen more goals scored than what we saw over the weekend. A record 44 goals were scored, with five of them coming from the spot. 4.4 goals/ match certainly makes for fun to watch attacking football, but is an absolute nightmare for defenders and goalkeepers alike.
The nightmare for me, was trying to put together this list. With so many goals to choose from, how could I only select five to highlight? Do I award team goals, or individual efforts? I laid in bed last evening going back and forth on several of these fantastic efforts. Now of course, this is just my opinion. You are entitled to your own opinion. That’s what’s beautiful about this sport. There isn’t just one way that is inherently better than another. A goal is a goal. As long as the ball completely crosses the line, to the team and goalscorer who puts it in, that is simply all that matters. In other words, this is 100% subjective, and I encourage anyone who happens to read this give me their own top 5 of the week. I’m all open open dialogue and discussion. So with that being said, lets get into it eh?
First and foremost, special shout outs to both Dominic Calvert-Lewin of Everton, and Son Heung-min of Tottenham for scoring a hattrick and a haul respectively. Outstanding play from each of them, leading their respective clubs to victory.
#5 Raul Jimenez 78′ vs Man City
This makes the list for me because of the wonderful play by Daniel Podence to set up the goal. Podence takes the corner, which is sent out by Fernandinho, and reclaimed by Adama Traore. Traore passes back to Podence, who takes on Kevin de Bruyne one v one. He sublimely panas KDB, takes a touch, and sends a right footed cross right to Jimenez who cooly puts it upper bins past Ederson to give Wolves the goal they so deserved in the second half.
#4 Dennis Praet 79′ vs Burnley
At number four was a lovely right footed strike by Leicester’s Dennis Praet to double the Foxes lead late in the game. He receives a pass from his left, and opens his body to the right upon receiving the pass to force the defender to respect the overlapping run. He quickly squares himself back to the face of goal and fires to the top right corner of the goal. Quite a lovely strike.
#3 James Rodriguez 45′ vs West Brom
James Rodriguez has played incredibly to begin his PL career with Everton, and was gifted with his first goal for the Toffees. In the last minute of regular time in the first half he gets the ball after a nice run by Richarlson. Immediately he recognizes he has a lane to shoot. He takes a touch with his left foot to set himself up, and then he subtly sneaks it past two defenders and beats the keeper on the ground to the far post. I expect to see several more goals out of him for Everton this season.
#2 Grady Diangana 10′ vs Everton
This game featured several wonderful goals. Actually, my top three all come from this match. With seven goals scored, there were plenty to choose from. This goal was set up by a run made by Diangana from well into his own half. He continues his from to the edge of the opposition box, without an Everton player showing the effort to get back on defense to stop him. He reaches the boxx and unleashes a powerful strike to the far post that left Jordan Pickford no chance to save it. Take a look:
#1 Matheus Pereira 46′ Free Kick vs Everton
No need for a description here. Just an absolute beauty of a free kick from about 30 yards out. Pickford had no chance. Kids, take note of this strike.
There we have it. Week two of the EPL certainly did not disappoint, unless you train defense or goalkeepers. Incredibly excited for this weekends slate of games.
Footy Foster 