Goalkeeper goals are a thing of beauty.
Association football, 11 versus 11, 90 minutes. In general, by the laws of probability, football matches follow a similar trend, especially at the top level. Sometimes it feels like you're watching the same match, over and over. Some scorelines are a lot more common than others. Those of us that watched Martin O'Neill's Ireland are very aware of this fact.
And yet, once in a while, you get a curveball. A freak of nature. Something happens that shouldn't really happen: the goalkeeper scores.
Alisson Becker's goal at the weekend had everything: injury-time winner, technically phenomenal header, emotional weight.
In celebration of his winner against West Brom at the weekend, we've taken a look back at the times when the improbable happened – shot-stopper turns shot-scorer.
Best Goalkeeper Goals
Paul Robinson v Watford, 2007
Retro Peter League collector's item: Paul Robinson's goal from outside his penalty box. In a strike that Stephen Cluxton would be proud of, Robinson's strike from the dead ball bounced right over the head of a despairing Ben Foster.
He definitely didn't mean it, but does it matter?
[Watch Video]
Peter Schmeichel v Everton, 2001
Peter Schmeichel scored an impressive 10 goals over his decorated career (most of which came in Denmark) between the sticks.
The best of these was probably this volley he scored against the Toffees.
Jimmy Glass v Plymouth, 1999
Jimmy Glass' goal in the dying moments of Carlisle final day clash with Plymouth won't be forgotten for a long time.
In need of 3 points to stay in the Football League, the sides were level at 1-1 before the goalkeeper stepped up to the plate.
Asmir Begović v Southampton, 2013
Stoke goalkeeper Asmir Begović holds the record for the fastest goal scored by goalkeeper with this one from 2013 against the Saints.
Caught rapid.
Barry Roche v Portsmouth, 2016
For some Irish representation on this list, we turn to Dublin-born keeper Barry Roche.
Not dissimilar to Glass and Alisson, Roche saved the best 'til last, securing a point for his side in added time.
Tim Howard v Bolton, 2012
American Premier League stalwart Tim Howard got his name on the scoresheet in 2012 with a monster lob against Bolton in 2012.
Come for the long range effort, stay for the vicious bounce.
Alisson Becker v West Brom, 2021
It's definitely worth another watch, let's be honest.
