Goals tend to win you games. While it's no secret that defending is a key component of the beautiful game, all that matters in the end, is the final score and not the intermediate stats.
So much so that the FIFA Puskas award is bestowed upon those who manage to score the picture perfect strike that leaves everyone in awe. Season after season, we get to see strikes that remain etched in our mind but there are always those which seem to go under the radar.
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We take a look at some of the strikes that have the same value but have been left underappreciated.
#1 Javier Hernandez vs Stoke City
Often termed as a ‘fox in the box’ striker for his predatory instincts in front of goal, Javier Hernandez had an instant impact at Manchester United when he was unearthed by Sir Alex Ferguson for a meagre fee of £6m.
When he signed for United, the club were a dominant force and every other goal by Wayne Rooney or Luis Nani made the headlines.
Video courtesy: wazabymaster
Hernandez scored some crucial goals in his debut season but the improvised header he managed to score against Stoke City is perhaps the pick of the lot. The fact that it came at the Britannia Stadium against a team with towering defenders deserves plaudits.
The execution was immaculate as Hernandez managed to generate enough power with a flick of his neck muscles and score from the back of his head.
#2 Dimitar Berbatov vs AS Roma
When you speak of Berbatov, the first thing that comes to mind is his finesse. The Bulgarian was blessed with immense ability and technique which came to the fore during his time at Tottenham Hotspur and then Manchester United.
Before his prominent spell in England, he earned the adulation of the Bayer Leverkusen fans with his quality.
Video courtesy: GreatGoalTV
Leverkusen were a decent team more than a decade ago had a tough Champions League group in the 2004/05 season which comprised of AS Roma and Real Madrid. After putting Roma to the sword, at home, the Germans managed a credible draw away from home and it was Berbatov who shone for them.
The Bulgarian might not have been a player who chased down opponents, but boy he had a touch in him. Take for example the goal he scored against AS Roma where he deceived the defender and chipped an on-rushing goalkeeper.
#3 Glen Johnson vs Hull City
Portsmouth had a good time in the English top-flight before they ran out of money which led to their administration. They even managed to win the FA Cup which was the best thing that happened to the club under Harry Redknapp.
They had some excellent players in Sulley Muntari, Jermain Defoe and Niko Kranjcar, who scored some wonderful goals, but one strike that has often been forgotten is full-back Glen Johnson's piledriver against Hull City.
Video courtesy: ProGoalS
The England man showed brilliant control as he chested down a second ball and smashed it home, with his weaker left foot! Johnson’s ability was never in doubt and soon he earned a big-money move to Liverpool.
#4 Fabio Aurelio vs Chelsea
When Liverpool were trailing Chelsea to away goals in a Champions League knock-out game, they needed a miracle at Stamford Bridge.
With the pressure on, the Reds had a free-kick which seemed pretty innocuous at first, considering Chelsea's aerial ability back then (they had Alex and John Terry patrolling the penalty box). Fabio Aurelio was given the duty of delivering a good free-kick and he presumed Chelsea’s then goalkeeper Petr Cech would come off his line.
Video courtesy: DK.17 Football Vine
Aurelio tried a cheeky effort on goal which managed to dupe the custodian. Considering the distance, it was no easy task implementing what Aurelio had in mind.
Liverpool ultimately lost the tie, but Aurelio’s moment of magic stood out in the game.
#5 Dean Ashton vs Manchester United
How often can you score a goal that'll be applauded by the opposition fans? Dean Ashton's career was blighted by injuries but he showed what he was capable of when West Ham United faced Manchester United.
The Hammers had a tough time and were down by three goals before Ashton attempted the spectacular. His goal gave the East Londoners some hope, but so dominant were the Red Devils that they went on to score another.
Video courtesy: bandsatan
Ashton’s goal is conveniently forgotten because ex-Hammer Carlos Tevez smashed home a 25-yard belter to make it three. By the way, so bad was Ashton’s injury record, that he strained a muscle after scoring the overhead kick and was subsequently taken off!
