With another high-scoring weekend of football in the books, Outside90’s Harvey Stevens casts an eye over the five best goals coming out of Matchday Two of the English Premier League.
5 – Christian Benteke (Liverpool vs Bournemouth)
Probably not a standout in terms of goal quality, but the value of Christian Benteke’s opener for Liverpool was enough for him to be included in his first top five of the campaign. In what was the Belgian’s Anfield debut, scoring surely would have done his confidence the world of good. After a short corner routine, Jordan Henderson’s cross eventually found the big striker at the back post, who bundled the ball in past Artur Boruc. Although the goal should not have stood due to Phillipe Coutinho’s interference whilst in an offside position, the ex-Aston Villa star will have no complaints as he gleefully netted his first in Liverpool colours.
Benteke 1st goal for #LFC I had him to score anytime 😉 won bet baby (Vine by @midlandsfooty) https://t.co/2mykd0UZdx
— FlashBack Football (@FlashBKFootball) August 17, 2015
4 – Riyad Mahrez (West Ham vs Leicester)
In what has been a dream start for Claudio Ranieri, Leicester found themselves impressive victors once more this weekend, this time brushing aside West Ham as they triumphantly marched on. The shining light has been Riyad Mahrez, the Algerian scored twice in the opening day victory against Sunderland, and was again on the scoresheet at Upton Park. As Marc Albrighton burst into the Hammer’s box, his pull back found Mahrez, who emphatically stroked the ball into the far corner past the sprawling Adrian to double their lead.
https://youtu.be/2CDkrJikKpQ
3 – Olivier Giroud (Crystal Palace vs Arsenal)
A bounce back was required from Arsenal following their opening day disappointment at the hands of West Ham. The Gunner’s faced a trip across London to face-off with Crystal Palace, and it was Arsène Wenger’s team who began the liveliest, and then drew first blood. Mesut Ozil broke free down the left and crossed into Olivier Giroud, who’s artistic improvisation saw him acrobatically hook the ball past Alex McCarthy and into the bottom corner. A superb finish for the Frenchman, but also a crucial goal for the North Londoner’s, recording their first three points of the season.
Lovely whipped delivery from Özil to set Giroud up and a gorgeous finish from the Frenchman. #Arsenal 1-0 pic.twitter.com/e43hTm2dQb — Arsène’s Son (@hughwizzy) August 16, 2015
2 – Fernandinho (Manchester City vs Chelsea)
Even this early in the season we were dealt a vital game this weekend, as two favourites for the title came head-to-head at the Etihad. With the week’s controversy fresh in the minds of all football fans, Jose Mourinho’s week went from bad to worse as his side were thumped 3-0 by Manchester City. The third goal saw a superb finish by midfielder Fernandinho, the ball came across his body and was smashed into the far of the net by a pinpoint strike, completing the rout of the reining champions.
1- Ross Barkley (Southampton vs Everton)
Ross Barkley was incredibly unlucky not to take the number one spot last week with his thunderbolt against Watford. However, this time Barkley does indeed appear at the top of our list after his late finish at St Mary’s. Although last week’s was probably better, the Evertonian faced nowhere near as much opposition this time around. Superb build-up play featuring Romelu Lukaku and Seamus Coleman found a way to Barkley on the left-hand side of the area, who delightfully cut inside and curled the ball into the far post. A superb team effort climaxing with a wonderful touch and finish by Barkley, it was hard to beat that this week.
Roy Hodgson>Ross Barkley. #BPL #EFC pic.twitter.com/mdj093YSeG
— Outside90 (@Outside90) August 15, 2015
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