7. Hatem Ben Arfa (NUFC 2-1 Blackburn)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5KafuOcyn4 Where: St James' Park Date: January 2012 This is a selection that we expect will stir up a serious debate with advocates of Ben Arfa's solo effort in a win over Bolton bound to be narked that we neglected to include in this chronicle of great goals. But how can it stand up to an effort that was shortlisted for FIFA's Puskas award in 2012? The answer is it doesn't. We recall there being much consternation from Newcastle supporters who felt aggrieved that ITV afforded Ben Arfa's mazy run against Blackburn just a few seconds of footage in their FA Cup highlights package during a brief round-up of the Third Round win. A heinous injustice. Alan Pardew said it was the best goal encompassing technical skill that hed ever seen while comparisons were even made with Maradonas mind-blowing independent waltz through England at the 1986 World Cup. With six Blackburn players for company Ben Arfa, our one true virtuoso, used both his right and left foot to weave a path towards goal, marrying exceptional close control with perfect balance as he ran at pace into the penalty area where he continued to slalom around the Rovers defence before rifling the ball into the roof of the net. Cest magnifique.
Jak Penny
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Content writer, blogger, occasional journalist and lifetime inhabitant of the post-LOST island of grief.
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