European Goals of the Week, 30 Dec: Outrageous Ayew downs West Ham
5. OBAFEMI SILENCES THE BRIDGE
Chelsea followed up their impressive win over Spurs with a surprising defeat at home against a resurgent Southampton side, who won 2-0. The opening goal was scored by Michael Obafemi in impressive fashion as he received the ball to feet before turning sharply and running towards goal with intent. Towards the edge of the box, he cleverly sidesteps the defender to move the ball on to his left foot, while the finish is emphatically curled into the top left corner.
4. COOLNESS PERSONIFIED FROM FIRMINO
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Roberto Firmino are striking up quite the telepathy for Liverpool, and it would be this pairing which would see the Reds go 3-0 up against Leicester. The England right back embarks on a typically marauding run down the right wing before picking out a perfect, low cross into the box for Firmino, who calmly takes possession in with the outside of his boot before picking out a perfect finish into the top right corner.
3. THE PERFECT COUNTER FROM PRESTON
Preston earned a good 1-1 draw away at Leeds a few days ago, and actually took the lead via a beautiful team goal, which started with them winning possession just outside their own box. It was Sean Maguire who expertly won the ball with a tackle on Mateusz Klich which enabled the visitors to put together a sweeping counter which was eventually finished by Alan Browne, who confidently lashed a strike into the bottom right corner.
2. ASHLEY FLETCHER OUTTA NOWHERE
It was the 94th minute in the game between West Brom and Middlesbrough when Ashley Fletcher decided to try his luck with a 40-yard bouncing volley which ended up flying into the back of the net. It may have been the expectance of the final whistle which led to the attempt, but the execution was terrific was he generated enough dip to get it up and over the goalkeeper.
1. JORDAN AYEW - WHERE DID THAT COME FROM?
With the game between Crystal Palace and West Ham locked at 1-1 heading into injury time, the home side needed some inspiration, and boy did they get it from Jordan Ayew. The Ghanian picks up the ball on the right wing and cuts inside before dancing his way through the opposition defence with a glorious pirouette, allowing him the space inside the box to dink a cheeky finish over the oncoming goalkeeper. Ourageous, to be honest.