Throughout his magnificent career, Michael Owen bagged more than his fair share of corkers, and to celebrate the icon’s legacy, we’re looking back at his top five goals.
Whether it’s smashing balls into the back of the net, or launching apples into the bin in front of his raging mum and begrudgingly approving dad, the English legend has proven his love for competition beyond doubt.
Blessed with freak athleticism and an unrelenting will to win, Owen produced his fair share of memorable moments. So, without further ado, let’s have a look at some of the best.
5) Michael Owen vs Arsenal – 2001
With an opportunity to win the coveted Ballon d’Or on the line, Owen arrived at the Millennium Stadium for the final of the FA Cup with a point to prove. And boy, he did just that.
While Arsenal dominated the fixture, the dazzling Liverpool forward never gave up, desperately chasing an equaliser, which he found in the 83rd minute with a beautifully timed volley.
However, the job wasn’t done yet. With just two minutes left on the clock, Owen blitzed past the defence before slotting the ball into the bottom right corner.
4) Michael Owen vs Germany – 2001
When it came to representing his country, the pacey striker always lived up to the occasion. In the world of sport, it doesn’t get much bigger than England vs Germany, and on a dark night in Munich in 2001, Owen wrote his own chapter into the footballing history books.
Not knowing what him them, the German side watched in despair as the legend raced around them, popping two goals past the goalkeeper, before completing the hat-trick with a remarkable finish to play a vital part in an astonishing 5-1 victory.
3) Michael Owen vs Manchester City – 2009
While many a Liverpool fan cried themselves to sleep the day their hero signed for Manchester United, it certainly worked out for Owen.
With a history of competing in the Merseyside derby and El Classico, the formidable athlete undoubtedly knew a thing or two about playing in grudge matches. And he utilised all that experience in an epic encounter with Manchester City.
In the sixth minute of stoppage time, Owen rifled the ball home to complete a 4-3 victory that United enthusiasts still remember fondly today.
2) Michael Owen vs Argentina – 1998
The World Cup is undeniably the grandest stage of them all. And with the stakes so high, the competition requires the most skilful of players to produce performances that will last a lifetime.
Exhibiting his mesmerising speed, Owen glided through the Argentinian defence like a knife through butter before sending the ball hurtling past a helpless Carlos Roa.
1) Michael Owen vs Newcastle – 1998
While the football star would eventually sign for Newcastle, he definitely didn’t do the club any favours back in 1998. Punishing future teammate, Shay Given, Owen bagged yet another hat-trick, with his third goal embodying all the classic traits that fans came to know and love, from his silky feet, to his unstoppable shots at goal.
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