Sometimes own goals are simply unavoidable. Other times an own goal is scored that is so outrageous, you question if the Russian mafia is involved. Andrew Stafford takes a look at the greatest own goals ever scored.
10. Geoffrey Kondogbia vs. Chelsea
Inter were 2-0 up against Chelsea, and in typical Italian fashion, were winding down the clock. Geoffrey Kondogbia disagreed with this approach and to make things more interesting, the French midfielder inexplicably lobbed his own goalkeeper from 40 yards.
9. Lauren vs Manchester City
This was a true striker’s goal from the defender. Shame it was at the wrong end. Under pressure from Trevor Sinclair, Lauren produced a superb finish that left Jens Lehmann with no chance.
8. Vincent Kompany v Fulham
Widely considered as one of the best defenders in the Premier League era, this was not one of his greatest moment. A cross which looked relatively easy to deal with with suddenly ends up in the back of the Man City net as Kompany makes a huge mess of his attempt to clear the ball.
7. Tony Popovic v Portsmouth
There are few own goals that are more aesthetically pleasing than this fantastic effort from Tony Popovic. The defender nonchalantly turns the cross into his own goal with remarkable ease.
6. Djimi Traoré v Burnley
To this day, Djimi Traore couldn’t tell you what on earth he was attempting to do. Perhaps mistaking his own six-yard box for the dancefloor, Traore scores a truly comical own goal.
5. Santiago v Vergini v Southampton
This spectacular own goal was truly the icing on the cake in what was a truly shambolic Sunderland performance. The Argentine defender hammers a volley past the helpless Vito Mannone.
4. Franck Queudrue v Lens
As the ball pinballed around the field, Lens full-back Frank Queudrue attempted to take control of the situation. If this was supposed to be a clearance or a backpass, no one will ever know.
3. Jamie Pollock v QPR
If scored at the other end, this would be a goal worthy of winning a title. Unfortunately for Man City, Jamie Pollock’s own goal was the one that confirmed their relegation to the second division.
2. Chris Brass V Darlington
One of the most unfortunate own goals you’ll ever see, Brass attempted to the clear the ball at the back post but only succeeded in ricocheting the ball of his own face and into the net.
1. Festus Baise v Sun Hei SC
In an effort so acrobatic it wouldn’t look out of place in Way of the Dragon, Festus Baise will never come close to producing such a magical piece of skill.
