Most Ridiculous Premier League Own Goals Ever!

Sunderland’s Santiago Vergini notched his first Premier League goal on Saturday, a cracker that – unfortunately for him – was past his own keeper…

The BBC has referred to it as “one of the most bizarre own goals in Premier League history”. So, what are the others?

Frank Sinclair, Leicester City v Middlesborough 2002

Sinclair’s own goal was so unexpected that the TV camera only caught the ball leaving his boot. The defender slipped and his 40 yard pass back was struck too hard for Ian Walker, who was helpless to stop it and save Boro’s winner.

Tony Popovic, Crystal Palace v Portsmouth 2004

The Australian defender’s beautiful flick would light up any match if it weren’t for the fact it landed in his own net. Popovic’s strike put Portsmouth 3:1 up and Palace were subsequently relegated, one point away from safety.

Lauren, Arsenal v Manchester City 2003

The Cameroon defender showed his striker’s instincts with this classic against Manchester City in 2002. He used his first touch to control a hopeful punt from City, his second to clinically put the ball out of Jens Lehmann’s reach.

Peter Enckelman, Aston Villa v Birmingham City

The pressure of big city derbies can get to some players, and it’s the only explanation for Enckelman’s blooper here. To compound matters for the Villa keeper, the goal wouldn’t have stood if he’d not got a touch to Olaf Mellberg’s throw-in. City fans weren’t long taking to the pitch to rub it in.

Kolo Toure, Liverpool v Fulham 2014

Liverpool’s title challenge last season was undermined by defensive errors, epitomised by this clanger from Kolo Toure. A rather harmless cross from Kieran Richardson should have been bread and butter to deal with but the Ivorian somehow contrived to slice it comically past Simon Mignolet to give the Cottagers the lead.

Ian Walker, Leicester City v Bolton Wanderers 2004

Walker may not have been to blame for Frank Sinclair’s blunder above, but he certainly was for this one. The former England keeper dealt comfortably with Kevin Davies’ flick from a Bolton free-kick, but somehow managed to fumble the ball into his own net gifting Wanderers a point.

Gareth Bale, Spurs v Liverpool 2012

To be fair to the Real Madrid star he didn’t know much about this one, but it’s worth inclusion for its sheer comedy value. Goals from Bale and Aaron Lennon had put Spurs ahead but the duo contrived to gift Liverpool the equaliser. Lennon’s goal-line clearance didn’t go far – blasted straight into the Welshman’s face to score from three yards.

Alan Smith, Leeds United v Wolves 2003

Alan Smith scored a few goal of the season contenders in his day but this one will go down as one of the worst own goals in Premier League history. While he moved into midfield later in his career, his defensive qualities weren’t yet apparent with this horrendous sliced clearance past Paul Robinson which went in off the post.