Now a fully paid up member of the 100 club, this season is turning into a remarkable one for Wayne Rooney. The 18th player to reach a ton of premier league goals, he is currently dragging his team single-handedly into a championship battle and in the summer is destined to carry the hopes of a nation on his (admittedly broad) shoulders. All of which, of course, can only end in misery, tears and very probably some form of penalty miss. But with all that ahead of us, let’s remind ourselves of his rise to stardom as Sport.co.uk looks at his top 10 premier league goals...
vs Arsenal
A good place to start. With a goal destined to grace classic compilation clip shows for years to come, a 16 year old Rooney announced himself to the world. The impeccable control, vision and power that would become the hallmarks of his game are all in evidence in this, his first meaningful kick in a Premier League game. In a painfully pre-meditated attempt at his ‘they think it’s all over moment’, Clive Tyldesley told us to ‘remember the name’. 8 years on, it’s been hard to forget.
vs Arsenal
In the interests of symmetry, his 100th goal was also against Arsenal. And was also a bit special. The finish is clinical but the lung-bursting sprint past virtually the entire opposition is just scary.
vs Bolton
In a way, this goal sums up an era. The combination of Rooney and Ronaldo that here sweeps effortlessly through an awe-struck Bolton side is one that formed the basis of the all-conquering Manchester United team of the late noughties. As a moment to encapsulate the ruthless, dynamic nature of their title victories in this period, this goal is near perfect. As a lesson in how to turn defence into attack in the blink of an eye, this goal is perfect.
vs Newcastle United
Anyone who has played football can appreciate the kind of anger that can only be cured by belting a ball as hard as possible. We’ve all done it and Rooney is no different. Except he hits it harder. And straighter. And right into the top corner.
vs Newcastle United
It’s not all about power for our Rooney though. He shows off his unerring accuracy against Newcastle here with an Henry-esque curler into the far corner. Although, as deft placement goes, there’s a fair bit of power on display here too...
vs Arsenal
From day one Rooney has made a habit of scoring against Arsenal, and this is another cracker. Although he is given far too much space in the penalty area, the touch and instant shot are pure class. If only he’d left a little bit more to the imagination with the celebration...
vs Everton
It’s sometimes easy for most of us to forget that Rooney once played for Everton. Unfortunately for blues fans, he hasn’t let them. A move to their Northern neighbours was never going to go down well, and a series of ill-advised badge-kisses have relations somewhat less than amicable. Most galling though, are the reminders of what they are missing, such as this lovely control and finish from 2007.
vs Leeds United and Aston Villa
And while we’re at it, you lucky Everton fans, here’s a couple more reminders why United were so willing splash out £25 million quid on an 18-year-old.
vs Newcastle United
Judging from this list, Rooney must have been as devastated as anyone when Newcastle went down last year. Obviously it helps that the Geordies traditionally played without a defence, but I’m not sure one comprised of Bobby Moore, Paolo Maldini and a substantial solid brick wall could stop many of these. The swift turn and shot here is unstoppable.