Much of the football debate over the weekend has been centred on Darren Bent’s controversial ‘beach ball’ goal for Sunderland against Liverpool.
The England international’s hopeful shot deflected off an inflatable ball that had been thrown onto the pitch by a fan, wickedly deceiving a helpless
Pepe Reina in goal – and with it severely deflating the
Reds’ title hopes.
But was it the most bizarre goal we have ever seen? Here are a few other contenders in that bracket.
DION DUBLIN – COVENTRY v NEWCASTLE 1997
Shay Given is widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League but I’m sure he’s still having sleepless nights about this particular goal. After beating Dion Dubin in an aerial challenge, Given then rolled the ball to edge of the penalty area ready to kick long up the field.
However, he had failed to spot Dublin who had sneakily returned to the pitch from behind the goal and the striker duly pinched the ball off a bemused Given and rolled it into an empty net.
LUTON SHELTON – SHEFFIELD UNITED v MANCHESTER CITY 2008
This FA Cup clash between these two sides last year resembled a kids’ birthday party at the start of the game with balloons all over
City’s penalty area.
Blades’ winger Lee Martin crossed from the edge of the box and the ball deflected off a balloon, completely deceiving defender Michael Ball and Luton Shelton thankfully accepted the gift, tapping the ball past a furious Joe Hart.
PETER ENCKELMAN – ASTON VILLA v BIRMINGHAM 2002
Villa defender Olef Melburg took and throw in back to Peter Enckelman but as the goalkeeper was winding up to clear the ball first time it took a nasty bobble on the turf and rolled agonisingly into the net.
Enckelman claimed he completely missed the ball (which would have ruled the goal out) but referee David Elleray allowed it to stand.
GARY CROSBY – NOTTINGHAM FOREST v MANCHESTER CITY 1990
This certainly goes down as one of the cheekiest goals ever scored and once again it’s Manchester City on the receiving end. City keeper Andy Dibble was preparing to clear his lines, holding the ball in one hand and pointing instructions with the other, when
Forest winger Gary Crosby nipped up behind him, headed the ball out of his hand and tapped it into the net.
CHRIS GARLAND – BRISTOL CITY v BRISTOL ROVERS 1978
The Anglo-Scottish Cup isn’t remembered for much these days but Bristol City fans won’t have forgotten this particular goal and against their arch rivals.
Chris Garland picked the ball up and burst through the Rovers defence, beating the goalkeeper before stopping the ball in the line, getting down on his knees and heading the ball over the line with a big grin on his face.
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