About this goal
Henry holds off the challenge of Denis Irwin to flick the ball up for himself, spin, and launch an improbable volley over the helpless Fabien Barthez.
Ratings
Aesthetically Pleasing 30/30
Henry does it so quickly, while holding off the defender his confidence is so high that he knows he is going to try it, and Barthez doesn't get within five yards of it.
Technical Difficulty 30/30
To flick the ball up to the perfect height to then, on the turn, strike the volley, in a match of this importance, is extraordinarily difficult.
Uniqueness 19/20
Not completely unique - Patrik Berger did it once - but not in a game of this magnitude.
Importance 10/10
Winning goal in a vital league match against league rivals Man Utd.
Standard of Opposition 10/10
Manchester Utd.
FootballCritic Verdict
A dream-like goal that is so outrageous, so filled with confidence, that it demands repeat viewing just to confirm that it actually happened.
Goal video
More Great Goals of Premier League
| Rank | Name | Date | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
 |
Thierry Henry | Jan 1, 1970 | ||
|
Henry holds off the challenge of Denis Irwin to flick the ball up for himself, spin, and launch an improbable volley over the helpless Fabien Barthez.
Goal type:
Special  Watch video |
|||||
| 2 |
|
Dennis Bergkamp | Mar 2, 2002 | ||
|
Bergkamp receives the ball to feet and, in the one movement, spins round the defender, goes the other way, then finishes with the opposite foot into the corner.
Goal type:
Special Watch video |
|||||
| 3 |
 |
Andros Townsend | Dec 22, 2018 | ||
|
A loose header drops to Townsend at the edge of the box and he catches his volley with impeccable technique, lashing in off the crossbar from fully 30 yards.
Goal type:
Volley Watch video |
|||||
| 4 |
 |
Robin van Persie | Apr 22, 2013 | ||
|
Van Persie connects with a raking Wayne Rooney pass with a spectacular first-time volley into the corner.
Goal type:
Volley Watch video |
|||||
