The football world is still buzzing about Alejandro Garnacho‘s gravity-defying overhead kick against Everton – a moment of pure artistry that has sparked heated debates among pundits and fans alike. Crickex analysts are weighing in on whether this spectacular strike has dethroned Wayne Rooney’s legendary 2011 Manchester derby winner as the Premier League’s greatest overhead kick.
The Goal That Defied Physics
In Manchester United’s dominant 3-0 victory at Goodison Park, the 19-year-old Argentine winger wrote himself into football folklore after just three minutes. Connecting perfectly with Diogo Dalot’s cross, Garnacho executed what appeared to be an impossible acrobatic maneuver – arching his body backward mid-air to volley the ball past England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
Neville’s Verdict: “Gymnastics, Not Football”
Manchester United legend Gary Neville didn’t mince words when analyzing the goal on his podcast: “I’ve not seen as good a goal as that from an overhead kick. That was the most beautiful overhead kick.” The former defender, who witnessed both strikes firsthand, gave Garnacho‘s effort the edge due to its extraordinary technical difficulty.
“What makes Garnacho’s different is the biomechanics involved,” explains Crickex sports scientist Dr. James Peterson. “The way he adjusts his body position mid-air while maintaining perfect ball contact shows elite-level spatial awareness and core strength rarely seen in football.”
The Rooney Comparison: Context vs. Technique
The debate inevitably turned to Wayne Rooney’s iconic 2011 winner against Manchester City. While Neville favors Garnacho‘s strike for pure technical brilliance, Roy Keane offered a counterpoint emphasizing the importance of occasion.
“Rooney’s came in a derby at a crucial moment,” Keane noted during his analysis. “That context matters. Though I’ll admit Garnacho’s connection was cleaner – that ball came off his foot like a rocket.”
What Makes Garnacho’s Goal Special?
Several factors set this strike apart according to Crickex experts:
- Unorthodox Approach: Unlike traditional bicycle kicks, Garnacho had to contort his body in an unusual trajectory
- Game Context: Coming just 2:52 into the match, it’s the earliest overhead kick goal in Premier League history
- Clean Connection: The ball’s velocity off his boot measured an impressive 65 mph
- Age Factor: At 19 years 182 days, Garnacho became the youngest player to score an overhead kick in the competition
Player and Manager Reactions
The young goalscorer himself seemed almost surprised by his achievement: “I can’t believe it! I just listened to the sound and thought, ‘Oh my God’. It’s the best goal I’ve scored.” Manager Erik ten Hag went further, declaring it “probably the goal of the season” while praising the team’s build-up play.
The young Argentine’s disbelief mirrored the reaction of fans worldwide after his incredible strike
The Final Verdict
While beauty remains in the eye of the beholder, Crickex analysts conclude that Garnacho’s strike represents a new benchmark for technical overhead kicks, while Rooney’s maintains its status as the most iconic due to its high-stakes context. What’s undeniable is that football fans have been treated to two of the most spectacular goals in Premier League history.
As the debate continues, one thing is certain – moments like these remind us why we love this beautiful game. Which overhead kick gets your vote as the greatest? Share your thoughts with the Crickex community below!
