10 best goals of Premier League era according to AI - with Paolo Di Canio sixth
It was the acrobatic strike that has got every football fan talking - but technology has decided Alejandro Garnacho's sublime goal for Manchester United at Goodison Park isn't up there with the best in the Premier League era.
Artificial intelligence has ranked the 10 greatest goals in English top-flight football since 1992/93, and although the young Argentine is omitted, an overhead kick by another United star does make the list. And most of the inclusions won't need much by the way of explanation after standing the test of time.
The Eric Cantona chip against Sunderland? Matty Taylor's wonder strike for Portsmouth? Alan Shearer's thunderous volley that sank Everton hearts? The list is as notable for its omissions as it is its inclusions.
Here are the 10 that make the grade, with AI's explanation as to why....
10. Steven Gerrard (Liverpool) vs. Middlesbrough (2005)
While Liverpool fans best remember Gerrard's exploits in Cardiff and Istanbul, AI rightfully states that this "long-range piledriver in the dying moments of the game is etched in Premier League history."
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Indeed, the iconic midfielder was almost 30 yards out when he controlled an aerial pass from John Arne Riise, waited for the bounce, and then unleashed a vicious half-volley with the outside of his foot that swerved and dipped past future teammate Brad Jones. Just weeks later, he'd head home in a certain game in Turkey, but in terms of the top flight, the Boro goal should always go down as his finest.
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9. Robin van Persie (Arsenal) vs. Charlton Athletic (2006)
Arsenal's Robin Van Persie celebrates his volleyed goal against Charlton (PA Images)When Emmanuel Eboue chipped a cross in the direction of Robin van Persie, there seemed little in the way of threat, given he was outside the area with the ball heading towards him at chest height.
What followed is the stuff of legend, the Dutchman managing to leap and twist in mid-air before executing a left foot volley that flew into the top corner. AI noted the "technical brilliance" of the goal, and it kick-started a great Premier League career for Van Persie.
8. David Beckham (Manchester United) vs. Wimbledon (1996)
Neil Sullivan jumps in vain into the net as the United fans celebrate David Beckham's goal (Colorsport/REX/Shutterstock)Long before he was England captain or marrying a Spice Girl, David Beckham has propelled himself to fame with a goal that remains etched in folklore.
Picking up the ball just short of the halfway line against Wimbledon, he executed the perfect right-foot effort that sailed over keeper Neil Sullivan and into the net. It was dubbed by technology as one of the most "iconic long-range strikes in Premier League history," and while numerous special strikes followed from 'Goldenballs', few topped that one.
7. Matt Le Tissier (Southampton) vs. Newcastle United (1993)
Matt Le Tissier's best ever goal in the Premier League? It's arguably wasn't even his best in this game.
His second effort, described as "testament to his skill and flair," was undoubtedly sublime and gets the nod, controlling a cushioned header with his knee before volleying a lofted effort over Mike Hooper. Prior to that though, he'd already scored by chipping the ball over two defenders and guiding it into the bottom corner.
There was also the famous run and long range effort against Blackburn Rovers in 1994. For all his zany conspiracies few will doubt the inclusion of 'Le Tiss' on the list - it's just the choice of goals that appears debatable.
6. Paolo Di Canio (West Ham) vs. Wimbledon (2000)
Paolo Di Canio executes his sublime volley against Wimbledon (Getty Images)It speaks volumes of Di Canio's ability that he once knocked a referee to the ground and yet, that doesn't signify his defining Premier League moment.
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Trevor Sinclair's cross-field ball against Wimbledon was met by his West Ham teammate, as AI put it, with an "acrobatic volley remembered for its technique and audacity." Indeed, the skip in the air and execution with the right foot represented a moment that few others in his era were capable of matching.
5. Gareth Bale (Tottenham Hotspur) vs. West Ham (2013)
Gareth Bale was mobbed after his winner against West Ham (Getty)Bale's peak career moments came at Real Madrid, but not before he'd made his mark on the Premier League.
And with Tottenham locked at 2-2 with London rivals West Ham, the man who went from left back to deadly striker set off on a solo run. He was eventually hacked down, but with advantage played, got back on his feet to receive the ball 25 yards out and whip a left foot shot into the top corner.
Technology says the strike "demonstrated his individual brilliance." Florentino Perez certainly agreed, and that summer the Catalan giants came calling.
4. Thierry Henry (Arsenal) vs. Manchester United (2000)
Thierry Henry is mobbed by teammates after his goal against Manchester UnitedFabien Barthez never even saw it. Thierry Henry scored 175 Premier League goals for Arsenal, but his effort against bitter-rivals United tops the lot.
With his back to goal outside the box, in one movement the mercurial Frenchman received his ball with his back to goal, chipped up the ball, and then swivelled and volleyed a swerving effort into the top corner.
The strike is credited for showcasing his "skill and finishing ability." His compatriot in goal for the visitors that day would no doubt have to agree.
3. Wayne Rooney (Manchester United) vs. Manchester City (2011)
Wayne Rooney's overhead kick against Man City won the derby for Man United (Popperfoto via Getty Images)Sorry Alejandro, doing it at Everton is one thing, but doing it to win a game against your main derby and title rivals is another - well according to AI anyway.
Few can argue with the justification that his overhead kick against City "displayed incredible technique and is considered one of the greatest goals in the Manchester derby." There was the maiden league strike for Everton against Arsenal and that half-way line effort against West Ham, but it's this goal that the majority consider his best.
2. Tony Yeboah (Leeds United) vs. Liverpool (1995)
Tony Yeboah's volley past David James at Elland Road had youngsters trying to recreate it in playgrounds for years.
The "thunderous volley" from Rod Wallace's cushioned header didn't just travel at a sparing pace, it also rattles in off the underside of the crossbar for extra effect. The Ghanaian striker's Leeds career would peter out after two seasons in England, but to this day mention the surname Yeboah and fans think back to that volley.
1. Dennis Bergkamp (Arsenal) vs. Newcastle United (2002)
(Daily Mirror)Those who have since tried to make out that Dennis Bergkamp didn't mean this goal clearly haven't taken note of his masterful technical ability.
With his back to goal, and defender Nikos Dabizas tight to his back, the non-flying Dutchman touched the ball one way his left foot, then did a 180 in the other direction. With his marker flummoxed, Bergkamp then latched onto his own flick and side-footed the ball expertly into the bottom corner.
Arsenal fans in particular don't need AI to remind them the "sublime control and finish after a mesmerising turn is a classic moment in Premier League history." However, whether it ranks as the greatest goal ever is a debate that hard as it tries, not even technology will ever truly settle.
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