The 2022/23 Premier League season gave us drama, storylines, and a fair share of absolute thunderbolts. From long-range rockets to moments of technical wizardry, here are our picks for the five standout goals that lit up the campaign.

1. Matheus Nunes – Wolves vs Chelsea (April 8, 2023)

Sometimes a goal comes out of nowhere and stops the entire stadium in its tracks. Matheus Nunes produced one of those moments for Wolves against Chelsea. A half-cleared ball dropped awkwardly on the edge of the box, but the Portuguese midfielder met it with the sweetest of half-volleys. From a tight angle, he arrowed it into the far corner with a technique reminiscent of Marco van Basten. Pure timing, pure venom, and a strike that decided the game in style.

2. Youri Tielemans – Wolves vs Leicester City (October 23, 2022)

Youri Tielemans has a knack for scoring spectacular goals, but even by his standards this was special. When a loose ball sat up invitingly outside the area, the Belgian midfielder unleashed a thunderous half-volley that rocketed off the inside of the post and left José Sá rooted to the spot. The connection was perfect, a goal you could watch over and over and still marvel at the sheer purity of the strike.

3. Julio Enciso – Brighton vs Manchester City (May 24, 2023)

Brighton’s teenage sensation Julio Enciso announced himself to the Premier League with a goal that would make seasoned pros jealous. Picking the ball up well outside the City box, he took a touch to set himself before lashing a swerving, dipping rocket into the top corner. Against the newly-crowned champions, no less. It was the sort of fearless, audacious hit that sums up Brighton’s fearless football under Roberto De Zerbi.

4. Miguel Almirón – Fulham vs Newcastle United (October 1, 2022)

Miguel Almirón enjoyed the best season of his Newcastle career, and this volley at Craven Cottage was the pick of the bunch. Bruno Guimarães lofted a perfectly weighted pass over the Fulham defence, and Almirón met it first time with a sublime left-footed volley that flew across the keeper and into the far corner. Technique, timing, and a touch of South American flair. It was a goal that announced Newcastle as serious top-four contenders.

5. Ilkay Gündoğan – Everton vs Manchester City (May 14, 2023)

Not every great goal is about raw power; sometimes it’s all about finesse. Ilkay Gündoğan showcased his class with a gorgeous finish at Goodison Park. Controlling a lofted pass inside the box, he improvised brilliantly, flicking the ball past Jordan Pickford with the outside of his boot while under pressure. It was a moment of silky skill and composure, the kind of finish that underlined why Pep Guardiola trusts him on the biggest occasions.

Honourable Mentions

• Michael Olise’s curling free-kick for Crystal Palace against Manchester United. A perfect blend of dip and precision.
• Erling Haaland’s acrobatic finish against Southampton. A reminder that the record-breaking striker is more than just a poacher.
• Kevin De Bruyne’s solo run and finish against Arsenal. Power, balance, and trademark Belgian brilliance.