Steven Gerrard retired from professional football today, following a glittering career defined by some glorious goals.
But what were his best ones? We take a look at his best ten for Liverpool. Any to add?
West Ham, FA Cup Final 2006
Typical “Roy of the Rovers” stuff from Gerrard, who’d already equalised earlier to keep Liverpool in the game.
Trailing 3-2 in injury time, the ball was cleared from West Ham’s penalty area only for Gerrard to strike from all of 35 yards to force extra time.
Aston Villa, 2006
An archetypal Gerrard strike, latching onto a pass, one touch to control and bang, the keeper has no chance.
Olympiacos, 2004
Liverpool needed to win by two clear goals to progress to the Champions League knockout stage but were only 2-1 up with five minutes to go. Enter Gerrard.
To quote Andy Gray in the commentary, “what a hit, son. What a hit”. The importance of the strike was only truly appreciated after the Miracle in Instanbul six months later.
AC Milan, Champions League Final 2005
Speaking of which, this isn’t technically his greatest goal but surely the most important. With his side 3-0 down at half-time, Gerrard’s arching header nine minutes into the second half sparked an improbable comeback.
Middlesborough, 2005
Gerrard controlled a John Arne Riise throughball with his instep and let it bounce before launching an unstoppable strike from 40 yards past a hapless Brad Jones.
Sheffield Wednesday, 1999
His first goal for Liverpool was a taste of things to come. He picked the ball up from Rigobert Song just inside Wednesday’s half before embarking on a pulsating run through the Sheffield defence before slotting home and celebrating with a Klinsmann dive.
Blackburn Rovers, 2008
While Gerrard’s renowned for his long-range effort and free-kicks, this strike showed the captain’s ability to get into the box and finish.
He exchanged a one-two with Lucas before gliding into the area and calmly slotting it past Brad Friedel.
Newcastle United, 2007
A trademark free-kick from Gerrard. Set up by Lucas, this ferocious 30 yard strike left Shay Given with no chance.
Manchester United, 2001
Gerrard scored several goals against Liverpool’s bitter rivals but few were better than this.
Taking a pass from Robbie Fowler, he advanced a few yards before launching a blistering strike past Fabien Barthez to help his side claim their first double over United in 22 years.
Marseille, 2008
Not his typical long-range strike, Rafa Benitez called this goal “amazing” and it’s hard to argue with the former Liverpool boss. This sublime curler into the far corner of the net equalised for Liverpool, before the captain added a second from the penalty spot.
But what were his best ones? We take a look at his best ten for Liverpool. Any to add?
West Ham, FA Cup Final 2006
Typical “Roy of the Rovers” stuff from Gerrard, who’d already equalised earlier to keep Liverpool in the game.
Trailing 3-2 in injury time, the ball was cleared from West Ham’s penalty area only for Gerrard to strike from all of 35 yards to force extra time.
Aston Villa, 2006
An archetypal Gerrard strike, latching onto a pass, one touch to control and bang, the keeper has no chance.
Olympiacos, 2004
Liverpool needed to win by two clear goals to progress to the Champions League knockout stage but were only 2-1 up with five minutes to go. Enter Gerrard.
To quote Andy Gray in the commentary, “what a hit, son. What a hit”. The importance of the strike was only truly appreciated after the Miracle in Instanbul six months later.
AC Milan, Champions League Final 2005
Speaking of which, this isn’t technically his greatest goal but surely the most important. With his side 3-0 down at half-time, Gerrard’s arching header nine minutes into the second half sparked an improbable comeback.
Middlesborough, 2005
Gerrard controlled a John Arne Riise throughball with his instep and let it bounce before launching an unstoppable strike from 40 yards past a hapless Brad Jones.
Sheffield Wednesday, 1999
His first goal for Liverpool was a taste of things to come. He picked the ball up from Rigobert Song just inside Wednesday’s half before embarking on a pulsating run through the Sheffield defence before slotting home and celebrating with a Klinsmann dive.
Blackburn Rovers, 2008
While Gerrard’s renowned for his long-range effort and free-kicks, this strike showed the captain’s ability to get into the box and finish.
He exchanged a one-two with Lucas before gliding into the area and calmly slotting it past Brad Friedel.
Newcastle United, 2007
A trademark free-kick from Gerrard. Set up by Lucas, this ferocious 30 yard strike left Shay Given with no chance.
Manchester United, 2001
Gerrard scored several goals against Liverpool’s bitter rivals but few were better than this.
Taking a pass from Robbie Fowler, he advanced a few yards before launching a blistering strike past Fabien Barthez to help his side claim their first double over United in 22 years.
Marseille, 2008
Not his typical long-range strike, Rafa Benitez called this goal “amazing” and it’s hard to argue with the former Liverpool boss. This sublime curler into the far corner of the net equalised for Liverpool, before the captain added a second from the penalty spot.