Liverpool’s goalkeeper, 28-year-old, Brazillian born Alisson Ramses Becker, better known simply as Alisson, has become the first goalie ever in the English Premier Leagueto score a goal with his head, and what a goal it was.
It is not only the fact that it was the first goal of its kind – it was also one of the most important for his club. It came well into injury time – in the 95th minute, in fact – and it saw Jurgen Klopp’s men beat West Bromwich Albion by 2-1 at the West Bromwich Albion Football Club.
Alisson is already rated as one of the best goalkeepers in the EPL and the world. This latest, remarkable achievement helps keep his club in the race for a top-four finish, guaranteeing Liverpool a place in next season’s Champions League, the premier soccer competition in Europe.
To put his goal into perspective, Allison’s effort adds his name to a list of five goalkeepers who have scored in open play in the English Premier League. The others are
- Asmir Begovic of Southampton, who in 2013 scored from his own half
- Tim Howard of Everton, who in 2012 scored from his own half.
- Paul Robinson of Tottenham Hotspur, who in 2007 scored from his own half
- Brad Friedel of Blackburn, who in 2004 steered in a goal in the opponents’ penalty area
- Peter Schmeichel of Aston Villa in 2001 smashed in a shot in the opponents’ penalty area
But Alisson’s goal was all the more special because it is the only headed goal ever in the history of the EPL.
Alisson Becker’s headed goal for his club is also the first time a Liverpool goalkeeper has scored in a competitive match. The win over West Bromich Albion puts Liverpool in 5th position in the EPL table, three points behind 4th placed Leicester. However, Liverpool have a game in hand.
It will be a very close run thing. They have just two matches left to play. The first is away at Burnley, and the second, a home fixture against Crystal Palace. Both are eminently winnable.
Leicester’s remaining game is away at Tottenham Hotspur, and a win there will be a much bigger ask. Spurs are trying to claim a Europa League spot next season, so they will have everything to play for.
The Foxes, on the other hand, have just won the FA Cup, so they are already guaranteed a Champions League spot next season.
Even if they do win, it could come down to goal difference if Liverpool win both of their remaining fixtures, and at the time of writing, Liverpool’s goal difference is 21 against Leicester’s 20. It’s as tight as it gets.
