Shinji’s stunner is a contender for goal of the season
SHINJI OKAZAKI’S volley for Leicester City against Manchester City yesterday has to go straight into contention for what will surely be the most competitive goal of the season competition ever.
GASTON RAMIREZ (Oct, Middlesbrough v Bournemouth)
The only solo dribble on the list. Ramirez ran 70 yards, sent a couple of defenders into a different postcode with a drop of his shoulder and slotted home.
HENRIKH MKHITARYAN (Dec, Man Utd v Sunderland)
The Armenian’s scorpion kick got Old Trafford to its feet after he managed to meet a cross that had been played in behind him. Utterly spectacular — but offside.
OLIVIER GIROUD (Jan, Arsenal v C Palace)
Flying back heel ‘has left its mark in history’ according to the Frenchman. A week after Mkhitaryan’s similar effort.
ANDY CARROLL (Jan, West Ham v C Palace)
The powerful 6ft 4in striker showed perfect technique to connect with Michail Antonio’s cross with a fabulous scissor-kick. The connection was perfect, and looked even better given Carroll’s size.
EMRE CAN (May, Watford v Liverpool)
The Liverpool midfielder was almost balletic as he twisted his body diagonally to meet a cross from Lucas with a bicycle kick. It won the game — and possibly goal of the season.
SHINJI OKAZAKI (May, Man City v Leicester City)
The Japanese striker ended a 23-game goal drought by wrapping his left foot around Marc Albrighton’s deep cross with a sweet volley of tremendous force.