Wolves midfielder David Jones scored one of the more inventive goals of the Premier League weekend. From a free kick Jones received the ball from Karl Henry and proceeded to flick the ball up before volleying it past a helpless Thomas Sorensen in the Stoke net. But what are the top ten greatest free kicks English football has seen? Here in no particular order is a list of ten of the best;
Cristiano Ronaldo vs Portsmouth
One of the most famous free kicks in recent years, Ronaldo hits the ball in his patented style and thumps the ball past David James. Ronaldo takes his signature pose and straight run up and hits the ball in a way no one else can.
Paul Gascoigne vs Arsenal
Gascoigne scores a wonderful free-kick from well outside the area in a 1991 FA Cup semi final against Arsenal. Gazza takes a run-up before smashing an effort into the top left-hand corner, David Seaman got a hand to it but was left with no chance of saving a goal.
Alan Shearer vs West Brom
The legendary Newcastle striker scores an almost impossible goal. Taking a free kick from inside the area after a pass back the whole West Brom team stands on the line. This is not a problem for Shearer though, as he unleashes a ferocious drive that somehow flys into the net.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gg8Ho56uic&feature=related
Matt Le Tissier vs Wimbledon
The man with perhaps the greatest collection of spectacular goals in English football, Le Tissier in a pre-cursor to David Jones, flicks the ball up before volleying the ball perfectly into the top corner.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtJeN96-6fw&feature=related
Stuart Pearce vs Man Utd
Stuart Pearce is perhaps not the first person one might think of when thinking about great goals, but this free kick against Man Utd showed his capabilities. Pearce smashes a thunderous effort from miles out into the United net.
Thierry Henry vs Charlton
The Gunners hero scored some superb goals at Arsenal, and this is one of his best. From a few yards outside the area the Frenchman effortlessly curls the ball into the left hand corner.
Robin van Persie vs Sunderland
The Dutchman is renowned for his deadly left foot, and against Sunderland he hits an absolute howitzer past Craig Gordon.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eBhqI7XN04
Gianfranco Zola vs Spurs
The diminutive Italian is one of Chelsea’s all time greats, displaying sublime skills in his time at Stamford Bridge. Here he shows all his talent by curling the ball beautifully right into the top corner.
Steven Gerrard vs Aston Villa
The Liverpool captain does it for his side again. In the dying moments of the match he hits a glorious free kick into the Villa net to win the game for Liverpool.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3y68wuCeWHA&feature=related
Ernie Hunt vs Everton
Ernie Hunt is not one of the most glamorous names in English football history, but in 1970 he scored a sensational free kick against Everton. Willie Carr flicked the ball up for Hunt who volleyed home in a totally unique free kick. The move would be banned by the end of the season.
Do you agree? What free kicks would you like to have seen in the list?
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