The first entry into the treasured and much-cherished LFC NEWS Top 100 LFC Goals of the Decade goes to the one and only Michael Owen at #100.
His goals at the club were legendary, scoring an astounding 158 goals in 297 appearances during the period of 1997 through 2004. Though Owen was more of a counterattacking and goal-poaching forward, he did occasionally pop up with a scorcher, and one of these was in the 2001-2002 as Liverpool hosted Middlesbrough at Anfield. Owen was not well known for scoring from distance, so it must have taken Boro slightly off guard when he had a pop from 25 yards. It took them off guard even more when the ball sizzled into the far side netting! Patrik Berger’s slight touch gave Owen the perfect opportunity to put his laces onto it, and he did so with aplomb, scoring his 99th goal for Liverpool in the process in a 2-0 victory.
Michael Owen may not be well-loved by the Reds today, and understandably so given the way he left and the fact that he joined Manchester United, but during the 2000-2002 period, it can be argued he was the best striker in world football alongside Raul and Ronaldo. He was simply dazzling and could change any match at the drop of a hat. This goal proved that he was more than just a one-on-one merchant and that he could mix up his game. During this time, there was a massive increase in left-footed goals, headers, and goals from distance, which had previously been the knock on his game. Sadly, injuries would soon disrupt his progress, and he never exactly retained the sort of form that was expected of him. But, this goal against Boro will live long in the memory as a true Kop End belter.
Why #100?
For its long range accuracy, it earns a spot. It also earns it for being laced with power. It is as “low” at #100 because he had a ton of space and time to take the strike and because there wasn’t much build-up to it. The goal was indeed gaping for him to hit it in that spot. Still an impressive goal, no matter how you slice it!
Watch the goal at minute marker 8:34 here for the goal from this Owen compilation.
