Trent Alexander-Arnold stood stone-faced, ready to take a corner-kick. It was the last kick of the game, and Liverpool were staring at a calamitous result. 1-1 against West Brom was bad enough, but with top-4 at stake, they had to win. Alisson Becker, their goalkeeper, came up for the corner. They had to throw everything at it.
Three seconds later, the Brazilian shot-stopper had become a hero. Not for an outrageous save, but for his exploits at the other end.
Here, we take a look at five goalkeepers who scored goals to rescue their teams. Who needs forwards anyway?
5) Alisson Becker (2021)
Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino kept fluffing chances against West Brom. Subsequently, Liverpool were level with the Baggies. They badly needed the win to keep their Champions League hopes alive. But at that moment, their destiny for next season seemed to be playing on Thursdays.
But Alisson decided Thursday nights weren’t for him. Trent delivered a corner away from the near post, and Becker rose highest to power a header past Sam Johnstone. It was Ronaldo-esque, and simply unbelievable. He dedicated the goal to his late father, who passed away a few months ago.
With the goal, Alisson became the first goalkeeper in Liverpool history to score a goal. It was glorious and emotional, and if Liverpool end up getting top 4, an Alisson statue wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world.
4) Sinan Bolat (2009)
Standard Liege Sinan Bolat was having a rough game against AZ Alkmaar. As it stood, they would finish bottom of the group. A draw, however, would have them finish third and play Europa League football.
In the 95th minute, the Turkish goalkeeper scored the equalizer for his team, creating history in the process. He became the first stopper to score from open play in the UEFA Champions league. His goal also sent the Belgian side into the Europa League.
3) Martin Hansen (2015)
ADO Den Haag goalkeeper Martin Hansen briefly went Super Saiyan, or rather, Eden Hazard. Playing against future Eredivisie champions PSV Eindhoven at home, the keeper produced an outrageous piece of skill that Lionel Messi would be proud of.
With the game all but over, he scored a last-minute equalizer for his team with one of the greatest backheel flicks you will ever see. Cue mad celebrations and tons of video tributes.
2) Moises Munoz (2013)
Club America were staring at defeat in the Mexican League final. With the clock reading 92 minutes, Munoz came from his post to help his team. Off a corner, he sent a diving header into the back of the net for a dramatic equalizer, sending the game into extra time.
His contributions didn’t end there, as he starred in the subsequent penalty shootout. After he saved a penalty, his team won the title. A massive performance at both ends of the pitch.
1) Jimmy Glass (1999)
It was the kind of story that would be passed on from footballing generation to footballing generation. The greatest goalkeeper goal ever.
A loanee at Carlisle United, Jimmy Glass played his third and last game for the club against Plymouth Argyle. Relegation haunted Carlisle, and nothing less than a win would ensure their stay in the league.
With all hope lost, Glass went up the other end. The clock showed less than a minute of game time left. Glass was at the right place to score a belter at the death, sealing safety for his club. It resulted in a massive pitch invasion by jubilant fans, producing one of the most legendary moments in English football history.
Glass came in a loanee, but left as a club legend. What was that thing about football being called ‘the beautiful game’?
Read more: KUNbelievable: A tribute to one of the greatest marksmen to ever grace the Premier League