As we wrap up another Premier League season, and an atypical one at that, there have, as always, been more than enough moments to keep us all entertained.
Whether it’s edge of the seat drama, a fantastic finish or otherwise, the English top-flight can’t really be topped.
Some moments during the campaign have stood out more than others, so let’s take a look at five of them…
1. Alisson Rises Like a Salmon
The most recent occurred just this past weekend.
With Liverpool needing all three points at West Bromwich Albion to realistically give themselves a chance of getting into the Champions League by the back door, a 1-1 score going into injury time wasn’t going to help Jurgen Klopp’s side.
Step forward Alisson Becker.
The custodian was ushered up by goalkeeping coach John Achterberg, and his subsequent header was as good as anything seen by the likes of Shearer, Kane or van Nistelrooy.
An acrobatic mid-air twist saw the Brazilian power the ball home.
No wonder he was mobbed by delighted team-mates!
*chef's kiss*
Enjoy every single angle of @Alissonbecker's truly iconic header 🤩pic.twitter.com/EfCbyx5KVF
— Liverpool FC USA (@LFCUSA) May 16, 2021
2. Manuel Lanzini brings West Ham back from the dead against Tottenham
Another injury time stunner happened earlier in the season at White Hart Lane.
David Moyes’ West Ham were dead and buried at Tottenham and were 3-0 down after just 16 minutes. It was their most insipid 45 minutes of the season.
Lady Luck was on the east Londoners side in the second-half, however, Harry Kane’s shot striking the upright which would have given the striker a hat-trick on the day and surely put his team out of sight.
Cue the comeback via a towering Fabian Balbuena header, an own goal from Davinson Sanchez and an unstoppable ‘postage stamp’ stunner from Manuel Lanzini that was so good even Moyes himself was motoring down the touchline in celebration.
Manuel Lanzini’s last minute screamer against Tottenham! 🚀⚒ pic.twitter.com/IjSCIPNxSp
— Uber West Ham (@UberWestHam) October 18, 2020
3. Aston Villa Put Seven Past Reigning Champions Liverpool
It was the result of the season, and by a distance.
Though Liverpool have struggled throughout the campaign with injuries, particularly in central defence, all the big names were there for this game, which came a full fortnight before Virgil van Dijk was ruled out for the season after picking up an injury in the Merseyside derby.
An Ollie Watkins double by the 22nd minute was the shape of things to come, though Mo Salah’s reply hinted that the Villains wouldn’t get things all their own way.
Within six minutes of the Egyptian King’s riposte, Watkins had his hat-trick and John McGinn had bagged another as Villa ran riot.
Worse was to follow for the Reds as a Jack Grealish double and one from Ross Barkley in the second 45 made Salah’s brace incidental.
Aston Villa 7-2 Liverpool.
𝗦𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗡. 🟣 pic.twitter.com/OHn2BN7L4F
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) October 5, 2020
4. Dallas At The Double As Leeds Stun Man City
Marcelo Bielsa has won lots of plaudits over the season for the way in which he has set up his Leeds side, and ensured that in every game they have gone out to score goals.
In some games they’ve been soundly beaten, but that hasn’t stopped him from remaining true to his philosophy.
Except in one game. Against his protégé, Pep Guardiola, and Manchester City.
In that match in early April at the Etihad Stadium, Leeds had to be content with just 28 percent possession of the ball, and only two shots on target.
Furthermore, they were reduced to 10 men in first half injury time.
In one of those strange quirks of fate, despite City’s incredible dominance throughout the match, Stuart Dallas’ two goals, including a second in the 91st minute, was enough to earn what has to go down as one of the most inspiring Premier League win of recent times.
Talk about economical from Bielsa!
Stuart Dallas scored two goals, including this 91st minute winner, to give 10 man Leeds the victory over Man City. 👏🏻 pic.twitter.com/tpp3d6nEcj
— 101 Great Goals (@101greatgoals) April 10, 2021
The Return of Supporters
Technically not an on-pitch moment, but after a year of waiting, how can the return of fans not feature in this list?!
The noise created in the games over the past week has been sorely missed by all, and one can only hope that this is just the beginning of seeing supporters returning full-time to grounds.
With any luck, that will hopefully come as soon as the start of next season.
Though they’re often taken advantage of, as was seen by the Super League debacle, football really is nothing without the fans.
Altogether now… ‘you only sing when you’re winning’ ….
