The Top Ten Most Skilful Goals In Premier League History

It remarkably been 20 years to the day since one of the greatest Premier League goals was scored by none other than Arsenal legend Denis Bergkamp. That’s right, it’s that sublime goal against Newcastle United at St James’ Park where he gracefully flicked the ball from Robert Pires past his defender before spinning round and coolly slotting the ball into the bottom corner. It is one of the most skilful goals ever seen in the top-flight of English football as it just seemed effortless for the Gunners forward.

There is something special about goals that are simply extraordinary and offer more than just smashing the ball into the back of the net and Bergkamp’s goal was one of the most creative strikes in football. A skilful finish was not exclusive to the Dutch star and to mark the 20th anniversary of his goal, it is only right to take a look at the top ten most skilful goals in Premier League history. Obviously Bergkamp is included with this strike. 

Tony Yeboah vs Wimbledon

An unforgettable solo strike by former attacker Tony Yeboah for Leeds United against Wimbledon makes this list. Dubbed ‘Yegoala’, this goal was brilliantly started off with a controlled chest of the ball down before a neat flick off the knee before a skilful flick away from a defender and completed with a thunderbolt into the roof of the net, via the crossbar. It is one of those infectious goals that you rewatch in awe, wondering just how Yeboah pulled it off in such style.

Eden Hazard vs Arsenal

The Belgian maestro may have suffered a huge dip in form since switching Chelsea for Real Madrid, but he was an incredible footballer as a Blue and he was a scorer of brilliant goals. One that takes precedence over the rest of his Chelsea strikes was his dazzling solo run against London rivals Arsenal where he not only displayed his skill at keeping the ball close as he ran the ball from inside his own half, but he also showed his strength as he sent Francis Coquelin tumbling to the floor before making his way into the box, tricking Laurent Koscielny and firing the ball into the net. A wonderful goal from a wonderful player.

Dalian Atkinson vs Wimbledon

The late Dalian Atkinson will be fondly remembered for his exquisite solo goal against Wimbledon for Aston Villa in the Premier League’s maiden season. He picked up the ball in his own half and drove it forward, beating two opponents, one of them twice before releasing a delightful chip over the goalkeeper from 25 yards. Everything about the goal was sublime and it was rightly awarded goal of the season. It is still unclear what was better, the actual goal or the celebrations where a supporter comes along and shelters the players under his umbrella.

Erik Lamela vs Arsenal 

Tottenham Hotspur’s former midfielder Erik Lamela loved to score a skilful goal, with a rabona being his weapon of choice to humiliate opposition. He first scored one in the Europa League against Asteras and he waited over six years to score one in the Premier League. It couldn’t have come against a better opponent either in Spurs’ rivals Arsenal. 

The ball was crossed into the box by Sergio Reguilon and it was then set up for Lamela by Lucas Moura. The Argentine hit the ball with his first touch, through the legs of Thomas Partey and beating goalkeeper Bernd Leno. It was an exquisite finish that went on to win the 2021 Puskas Award.

Laurent Robert vs Fulham

This magical Frenchman had some impressive goals in his career but the one that stands out was his acrobatic finish against Fulham for Newcastle United in 2004. Robert, expecting a ball into the box mis-judged his position as the ball came into him but he was able to adjust himself and make good contact on the ball as he leapt, and seemingly floated in the air before stretching his boot round the ball which then flew across goal into the far corner. Exquisite goal.

Pajtim Kasami vs Crystal Palace

This strike by Swiss midfielder Kasami for Fulham against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park was nothing short of extraordinary. With the player running and having to control a long-field pass he controlled the ball with his chest while still in the air before setting himself up for a volley which he had no business scoring but, the long-range effort was hit so sweetly it gave goalkeeper Julian Speroni no chance as it flew into the top-left corner.

Mohamed Salah vs Manchester City

Liverpool’s Egyptian king is a sorcerer when it comes to solo goals and he has scored several since he moved to Anfield. One of his best came this season against title rivals Manchester City. The attacker, with his back to goal immediately turned his defender, planted Bernardo Silva to the floor before making his way into the box and getting the better of Aymeric Laporte and firing across goal into the far corner. The goal sent Anfield into a state of euphoria and even left neutral fans watching from home speechless.

Olivier Giroud vs Crystal Palace 

The current AC Milan striker has proven to be one of the most under-appreciated goalscorers of this generation and some of the strikes in his collection have been out of this world. His very best for Arsenal was his famous scorpion kick against Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium. In a swift counter-attack, the ball made its way out wide to Alexis Sanchez who looked up to find the run of the French striker, who may have felt that he’d put the ball behind. But in typical Giroud fashion, he adjusted himself and lifted his leg behind his body and made strong contact with the ball which flew goalward and went in off the crossbar.

Paolo Di Canio vs Wimbledon

The feisty Italian was a character to say the least but he was undoubtedly a gifted footballer who scored some excellent goals in his career. His most iconic strike in the Premier League was that scissor kick against Wimbledon. Di Canio had a lot of work to do to control a long cross-field ball but instead of taking a touch he went for the spectacular with an audacious scissor kick from the left side of the box which sailed into the far corner.