Watching our favorite players on the field is certainly one of the best things for any fan. Sometimes though, the plays made by these athletes are simply exhilarating. In order to achieve this, they have been doing exercise for years and training to be the very best.
Here are some of the most iconic plays made in the Premier League. These are the ones that have made it into history for the skills displayed or the impact they had on the game. These are only some of the very best moments in the League. Let’s get started!
May 13, 2012 - The Aguero Goal That Was Heard Around the World
London’s Queens Park Rangers, better known as QPR, proved to be an unexpected tough opponent for the Manchester City. The team had not won the trophy for 44 years and it was anticipated that they would win against QPR, finally bringing the trophy back home.
However, QPR proved to be a lucky opponent and at the minute 93, they had managed to achieve a 2-2 tie with City. By this time, despite being in the best shape possible, players were exhausted. However, Aguero managed to push and deliver some extra energy to score the winning goal.
October 19, 2002 – Wayne Rooney Catches Everyone’s Eye
Wayne Rooney is one of the biggest names in English football history. However, back in 2002, his name had barely been heard. It was in October of that year that a game against the unbeaten team, Arsenal, changed everything and put him on the map.
Rooney was not intimidated by Arsenal’s impressive 30-game streak without losing. Every streak breaks at some point and Rooney wanted to achieve this. With four touches of his shoes, he managed to put himself in position and deliver the goal that would jumpstart his career.
April 3, 1996 - The Greatest Game in History?
Years later, in 2003, this game was dubbed as the game of the decade for the high entertaining value it provided. It was a very close encounter, with every team scoring goals one after the another. The fans were almost left without hair on their heads due to the excitement.
However, in the end, Liverpool managed to beat Newcastle with a timely goal made by Stan Collymore. Fans can’t help but always remember this impressive game every time the teams confront each other. Although there have been similar encounters, none have been as exciting as this one.
May 12, 2013 - Fergie Bows Out In Style
Sir Alex Ferguson is understandably considered as one of the greatest managers the Premier League has ever seen. Not only did he achieve multiple wins with the Manchester United, but he also made sure to lead his team to victory during his final season on the job.
This was certainly a momentous event when Ferguson rose the trophy for the entire team. Talk about having a retirement party! This exciting moment felt as if it was the only result possible. Ferguson definitely left with his head held high and an amazing victory.
April 27, 2014 – A Mistake That Cost Liverpool the Cup
Anyone can suffer an accident, but there are things that have an instant and devastating effect. Yes, we’re talking about football. An immediate example is a mistake made by Liverpool’s captain in 2016. It was a mistake that cost them the game and, in the end, the cup.
Liverpool was the favorite for winning the game. However, at an unfortunate moment, Gerrard slipped and the ball went to the Chelsea team. The problem was that they were right on the area and the consequent goal made Liverpool’s victory dreams impossible to achieve.
May 2, 2016 – Leicester City Was the Underdog That Won
Many, throughout the years, have dubbed it as a fairytale. Controversial events and a selection of new players that frankly didn’t look that promising had set the odds against Leicester City. However, their good workout schedule paid off and they surprised everyone since the beginning of the season.
Slowly but surely, the Leicester City team managed to keep winning and eventually made history by winning their very first title since the birth of the club. These days, many young and promising players comprise the team. Maybe, 2019 will be the year to take the trophy back home.
October 17, 2009 – The Beach Ball Debacle That Infuriated Fans
Darren Bent was one of the most dangerous players of the Sunderland team. This is why the Liverpool team had devised special strategies and studied the books in order to try to avoid any possible goals. However, they didn’t count with the unexpected appearance of a beach ball!
You read that right! A beach ball was thrown into the field by one of Liverpool’s fans and gave an assist to Bent. As the football bounced off the beach ball, goalkeeper Reina got confused and a goal was marked. It remains one of the most controversial goals to date.
April 21, 2001 - The Worst Tackle of All Time?
Roy Keane had a very well-known temper. However, sometimes, this temper would get out of control. The events of April 21, 2001, had been in the making since four years back. Back then, he had been injured after trying to trip Alf Inge Haaland, who accused him of faking the injury.
Fast forward four years and in April 2001, a match that would be etched in history would take place. Here, Keane decided to exact his revenge and deliberately attacked Haaland. He later admitted it had been all about revenge. This admission cost him serious money as he was fined $190K.
January 16, 1999 – A Hilarious Moment of Confusion
Ron Atkinson had been called away from his luxurious vacation in Barbados. He went from what probably was a luxurious hotel resort to the playing field in less than 24 hours. Understandably, he was a little disoriented but this confusion gave us one of the funniest moments.
Ron, who had been in a rush in order to be there for the Nottingham Forest match against Arsenal, found himself on the wrong dugout! Not only was he the target of mockery by Arsenal fans but the media were all over it. Thankfully, Ron had a great sense of humor!
May 14, 1995 – Everyone Was Happy When The Loser Won The Cup
The Blackburn Rovers managed skyrocketing victories that positioned it in a very good place to win the cup in 1995. After being a part of the League for only three years, the influx of cash directly from businessman Jack Walker's account helped things along. It got Kenny Dalglish as manager.
Kenny quickly brought them to the top. In the game against Liverpool, they needed to win or for Manchester United to tie with West Ham in order to win the cup. They lost and United tied. Liverpool fans were happy with their team’s victory. Blackburn’s fans were happy with their cup.
May 15, 2004 – Arsenal’s Impressive Performance
The Arsenal team managed to beat absolutely all odds during this season. As one of the most respected teams in the League, Arsenal imposed a record very difficult to break. They won all of the games they played during this season, and eventually, won the cup.
We don’t know if it was due to a new workout program, but this was definitely a spectacular season for the team. It’s remembered to this day as an impressive achievement and their talent was immensely recognized. This hadn’t been done since 1889 and it was definitely a mark in football’s history.
October 24, 2004 – The Day Football Players Behaved Like Children
Arsenal had been unbeaten for 49 games. They wanted to achieve a new record and make it into 50 games. However, a questionable penalty delivered by Wayne Rooney ended their streak, to the chagrin of all players. However, no one could’ve expected what took place after the game.
Nutrition is very important; this is why the players have food waiting for them after the game. Tensions were running high after the game and manager Alex Ferguson stepped into it. Suddenly, a slice of pizza from the standing buffet was thrown at him! The Battle of the Buffet was born.
April 2, 2005 – Newcastle Surprises the World by Turning Against Itself
We all know how intense football games can be. There’s a lot of testosterone running high at the Premier League and sometimes the players forget their basic education. For example, they might forget who their teammates are and why attacking them is not right. That was what happened to Newcastle in 2005.
They were losing the match and they were down one player. It was unknown what started it but Newcastle teammates Kieron Dyer and Lee Bowyer started to fight each other! They were taken out of the field and later made to issue an apology, but this one went down in infamous history.
August 17, 1996 – David Beckham Leaves the World Shocked
David Beckham is probably one of the most famous English football players. He made history with the Manchester United and went on to be the captain of the English national team. He also became a model. However, in 1996, Beckham was only a young and promising athlete who was about to deliver an unforgettable goal.
Beckham was right at the halfway line and saw an opportunity. He took charge and kicked the ball. Despite the immense distance, he managed to pass it over the goalkeeper. This goal became one of Beckham’s most iconic moments in the League and it was the beginning of his legend.
June 2, 2004 – Mourinho’s Not-So-Humble Moment
When Roman Abramovich bought the Chelsea team and managed to sign a huge number of top players, one thing became clear: money could not buy a good team. Although it certainly helps in getting things done, you also need a great manager to lead things.
Enter Jose Mourinho, one of the best managers in European football. And he knew it! During the press conference in which his new post was announced, he said so himself. He was special and he was going to bring many victories to Chelsea. He indeed brought them to victory.
April 20, 2013 – Suarez’s Shocking Bite
Luis Suarez is a great Uruguayan player and he made his mark on the Premier League for his ability to put the ball in the enemy’s net. However, he also seems to have some issues with controlling his most basic impulses. The world got to see this in April 2013.
Suarez, playing for the Liverpool, was face to face with Chelsea player Branislav Ivanovic. As part of his attack strategy, Suarez actually bit Ivanovic! He proved to be a danger for the health of the players and was banned for four months. Suarez repeated this in the 2014 World Cup.
September 12, 2009 – A Celebration That Enraged Fans
Emmanuel Adebayor was going to face Arsenal after only weeks of switching to Manchester City. It was a change that probably came with a salary increase. This, of course, was bound to generate a lot of tension in the game. This reached a peak when Adebayor scored a goal against Arsenal.
After celebrating his goal, he actually went to the area where the Arsenal fans were sitting and did a slide celebrating in front of them. Tempers flared and everyone was outraged. Adebayor later issued an apology but the governing body still looked into his behavior.
May 15, 2005 - West Brom Manages To Stay On The League
Going into relegation is the nightmare of every English team and on this occasion, four teams were facing this possibility. West Brom was far from being the favorite. However, they managed to beat the odds and achieve something unexpected but very well received. Everyone loves an underdog.
Not only did they win, but they managed to win by two points against Portsmouth. This was a very exciting moment for the entire team. Meanwhile, Portsmouth, Crystal Palace, and Norwich were relegated. West Brom's victory and immense celebration were caught on camera. They almost looked as surprised as everyone else.
December 26, 2008 – Tough Love Shown in Front of the Fans
Manager Phil Brown certainly knows a thing or two about tough love. The Hull City players must have felt as if they were being scolded by their parents. Brown decided that the dressing rooms were too nice for his team and decided to read them the riot act on the field.
He was understandably upset after the team reached half-time with four goals against them. The opponent, Manchester City, was basically killing them. Brown urged them to play uglier and be better. They still lost 5-1. However, this moment was etched forever in the minds of the fans.
February 28, 2016 - Van Gaal Breaks the Internet
Oh, the Internet and its wonders. Thanks to technology, almost anything that happens is instantly recorded and it can become the subject of a meme quickly. That was what happened with Louis van Gaal’s theatrical representation of an alleged dive performed by Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez.
Van Gaal, who was the manager of the Manchester United at that moment, faced the referee, Craig Pawson. We do have to say that Pawson’s cool stance is certainly admirable. He must be a great poker player! Of course, there were thousands of memes starring van Gaal.
February 12, 2011 - Rooney's Bicycle Kick
If you head into a football game riddled with anxiety and self-doubt, it’s unlikely that you will achieve much. Wayne Rooney knows this and this is what has earned him two spots on this ranking. The amazing goal he performed in 2011 was filled with self-confidence.
Rooney had his back to the goal, but he saw an opportunity and did an amazing bicycle kick. This helped him secure the victory for his team, Manchester United, against the Manchester City. It is just another example of the greatness of Rooney, one of the best players in England’s football history.
August 3, 1999 – Arsenal Makes a Very Wise Investment
Thierry Henry is considered one of the best soccer players of his generation. Thierry, born in France, played in different leagues at the peak of his career. On August 3, 1999, he received an extraordinary paycheck for $12 million, which was a huge amount for a player at the time.
He went on to play for Arsenal for about eight years after performing amazingly well with the Italian club, Juventus. His career with Arsenal was filled with great victories and he was considered one of the team’s best players. He broke records for goals scored by players of the team.
January 30, 2008 – Ronaldo’s Free Kick Amazes the World
Cristiano Ronaldo is, without a doubt, one of the best players in football history. Even those who don’t like him have to admit that his talent is paralleled by only a few. Cristiano’s impressive legacy is marked by amazing moments that have left the world amazed and surprised.
Ronaldo was playing for the Manchester United and they were facing Portsmouth. At the moment of performing a free kick, he opted for an unusual strategy that didn't always go well. However, Cristiano managed to make it work for him and goalkeeper David James never had a chance.
January 25, 1995 – A Fan Receives a Painful Kick
As we very well know, football can be an emotional game where tempers run extremely high. Manchester United’s Eric Cantona took this to the next level when he delivered an impressive but hurtful kick to Crystal Palace fan, Mathew Simmons. The moment, of course, was caught on camera.
Although Eric’s athletic abilities are impressive, this is the very definition of assault. Not only was Cantona banned for nine months but he also had to pay a fine and do community service. He was lucky Simmons was not gravely injured. This sure is one of the most memorable moments in the history of the League.
March 2, 2002 – Bergkamp Makes History in Two Touches
This goal has been voted as the best one of the team by Arsenal fans. Many consider it one of the greatest moments in football history and this is why it’s one of our favorite moments. What Bergkamp did was certainly impressive and the Newcastle players never stood a chance.
Bergkamp used the ball’s momentum to guide it, avoiding defender Nikos Dabizas. Then, using his body as a shield between Dabizas and the ball, he delivered the second touch, which made it right past goalkeeper Shay Given without issue. Bergkamp has sold books, thanks to this goal!