The year in sport in 2012 has been one of the greatest in British history. London 2012 was one of the best Olympics in history, where Team GB took home enough gold to make Kanye West jealous. England dominated cricket headlines this year, and this was the greatest year in the burgeoning careers of Andy Murray and Rory McIllroy. But, our national sport of football was not to be left in the shadows, with the climax of the 2011/12 Premier League season the most exciting in its 20-year history. In this year, it seemed like any team could beat any other on their day, and the past 12 months provided some fantastic matches and moments that will never be duplicated. But above all else, the year brought goals in abundance. At the time of writing this, there have been 1012 Premier League goals scored in the calendar year, and with the Christmas fixtures still to be played, that tally could still be added to by the time we pass into 2013. The task of cutting down this bucket load of goals was a monumental burden, and of course not everybody will agree on my choices for the top 20. As usual, you can comment on your choices, but please post videos so everybody can see the quality goals for themselves. 2012 was a great year to be a football fan, and please feast your eyes on the smorgasbord of goal action that this year of drama, skill and celebrations brought in spades.
20. Jermain Defoe (TOTTENHAM 3-1 West Ham)
http://youtu.be/a1D0j7wa7vg Beginning with one of the standout strikers of 2012, Jermain Defoe was a lethal goalscorer in 2012. In this match, Defoe showed his speed and shot power that have made him one of the Premier League centurion goalscorers. Picking up the ball on the right-wing, he skilfully disposes of two players before unleashing his rapid pace towards the Hammers penalty box. He avoids another player by cutting onto his right foot before unleashing a ferocious strike past Jussi Jaaskelainen, clipping the post. This is the reason why Defoe has always been one of the Premier League's elite strikers, and his experience and everlasting quickness continues to leave defences out of breath, both through shock and fatigue.
19. Robin Van Persie (MANCHESTER UNITED 3-2 Fulham)
http://youtu.be/r58PYZFBj9s There are few players that could match the year that Robin Van Persie had in 2012. The fabulous left foot of the Dutch striker rippled plenty a net in this calendar year, despite the change of his surroundings. After swapping the Emirates for Old Trafford, Van Persie wanted to make an immediate impact at Manchester United. That he has done admirably, leading the scoring charts this year and living up to his billing as the PFA Player of the Year 2012. His first goal for the current Premier League front runners was a superb half volley from a low cross into the box, getting ahead of the Fulham defence and seeing his first-time effort nestle into the far side of the goal. Van Persie clearly has not seen his move to the biggest club in Premier League history halt his tremendous goalscoring feats, which should send warning signs towards every other club in 2013.