Top 5 Premier League overhead kicks

Published on 1 December 2023 at 20:00

After Alejandro Garnacho's wonderful effort last weekend against Everton, there is no better time to reminisce about some of the select few sensational overhead kicks the Premier League has seen over the years. So without further ado, let's take a look at five more top flight acrobatic finishes that had everyone talking...

 

 

Emre Can v Watford (2017)

During his five years at Merseyside, Emre Can wasn't always known for his goal-scoring ability, however when he did find the back of the net it was usually a cracker. His goal at Vicarage Road wasn't your average overhead kick, as it came from a deep cross from Lucas Leiva, rather than from the wings. However, the German showed great improvisation to turn his body while running forward and direct the ball into the top corner, leaving Heurelho Gomes with absolutely no chance.

 

 

Dimitar Berbatov v Liverpool (2010)

What an underrated Premier League player Dimitar Berbatov was. Ok, he'd saunter around the pitch and would hardly move for 90 minutes but whenever that man had the ball at his feet, everyone knew something magic was going to happen. This was apparent in the second goal of his famous hat trick against Liverpool, where he controlled the ball from a Nani cross with his thigh and acrobatically guided it home off the crossbar. In true Berbatov style, this may not be the most powerful shot on the list, but the technique and awareness on show from the Bulgarian makes it unbelievably satisfying to watch.

 

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Andy Carroll v Crystal Palace (2017)

Another perhaps underrated striker, Andy Carroll will be remembered for being a no-nonsense, old-fashioned target man but people forget the big Geordie always had a magic moment in the locker too. His overhead effort at the London Stadium was an example of this. After a cross from Michail Antonio was slightly behind Carroll, he quickly turned his 6ft 3 frame and thundered the ball past Wayne Hennessy. What makes this so impressive is the acrobatic ability of such a tall player and the power he generates on the ball is terrifying.

 

 

Christian Benteke v Man United (2015)

To be honest, the less said about Christian Benteke's career at Liverpool the better. After being an absolute goal machine for Aston Villa, the Belgian striker was never able to hit the same heights after his move to Merseyside. However, he did score one of the best connections of an overhead kick you are likely to see. Unfortunately for Benteke, it was a consolation goal and the match is generally better known as the day Anthony Martial announced himself on the Premier League stage. It's a shame this goal has been widely forgotten, but it must be up there on the same pedestal as Pajmit Kasami as one of the most underrated goals of all time.

 

 

Wayne Rooney v Man City (2011)

The third goal on this list at Old Trafford, Wayne Rooney's thunderous strike in the Manchester Derby will always take the biscuit when it comes to Premier League overhead kicks. We've all seen it countless times now; the cross from Nani, the technique from Rooney, Joe Hart static, the celebration etc. Even if it might've hit off his shin, it will forever be a defining moment of the Premier League era from one of the best strikers England has ever produced.

 

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